Telecom Lead Asia: Japanese operator NTT DOCOMO has evaluated NSN-Ballard’s fuel cell that promises 4.5 kW of power for 40 hours on single tank of fuel
The solution has been installed at a DOCOMO R&D Center test site in Japan’s Yokosuka Research Park (YRP).
Nokia Siemens Networks has developed the solution in association with Ballard Power Systems. The mobile network can operate during power blackouts.
The base station and fuel cell combination can provide 4.5 kW of power for approximately 40 hours on a single tank of fuel.
“Mobile networks can be vital when a natural disaster strikes, and power outages make other forms of communication difficult,” said Mark Donaldson, head of energy solutions for mobile broadband networks at Nokia Siemens Networks. “Integrating fuel cells with our base stations can significantly increase the resilience of the mobile networks we provide.”
Advantages of backup power solutions based on fuel cell technology include higher reliability across a wide range of operating conditions, lower maintenance costs, longer operating life as well as reduced size, weight, installation footprint, noise signature and environmental impact.
The fuel cell weight and size are significantly less in comparison to existing lead acid batteries that are typically used in many base stations to provide backup power for extended outages.
“Our fuel cell systems provide power for extended periods during outages caused by natural calamities and commercial grid failures,” said Larry Stapleton, vice president of sales, Ballard. “The collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks has helped us leverage our service and integration expertise in order to deliver an emergency-ready alternative power solution for mobile networks.”
The solution from Nokia Siemens Networks and Ballard Power Systems has already received the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) statutory approval in Japan. After delivering and setting up the fuel cell at a test site in YRP, Nokia Siemens Networks participated in and cleared DOCOMO’s evaluation tests.
