High efficiency fuel cell based uninterruptible power supply for digital equipment

James Gonzales, Govindasamy Tamizhmani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Eliminating the ac-dc converter (such as a computer's power supply), in a dc system when using a fuel cell based uninterruptible power supply (UPS), serves several primary functions. Firstly, it eliminates the need for a dc-ac inverter, and secondly, it eliminates a usually highly inefficient component - the power supply. Multiple conversions result in multiple inefficiencies. By replacing the computer's ac power supply with a high efficiency dc power supply capable of operating directly from a fuel cell - and thereby eliminating the inverter - the overall efficiency of the UPS can be increased by 50% or more. This is essential considering that the primary function of a fuel cell based UPS is long-term operation of the system, and poor efficiency equates to higher fuel consumption. Furthermore, inefficient systems have greater power demands, and therefore a larger fuel cell stack is needed to power them. At the present cost of fuel cell systems, this is a considerable problem. The easiest way to accomplish a direct dc UPS is to replace the computer's ac-dc power supply with a dc-dc power supply.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)151-156
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume153
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 23 2006

Keywords

  • Cell
  • Computer
  • Fuel
  • Power
  • Supply
  • Uninterruptible

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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