UPS Systems Complete EETC Fuel Cell Installation
Hungerford, Berkshire, United Kingdom – UPS Systems plc has completed the fuel cell installation for the Environmental Energy Technology Centre (EETC) in Rotherham, bringing this iconic, carbon-free building one step closer to completion.
UPS Systems has installed three 12kW Hydrogenics fuel cells into the Hydrogen Mini Grid System (HMGS), along with nine inverters, three 168Ahr batteries and supervisory software to control the system. Both the fuel cells and batteries have been mounted in matching racks to reduce the space they occupy and make the installation more aesthetically pleasing.
The HMGS has been developed by energy consultancy, TNEI Services Ltd and hydrogen specialists the Pure Energy Centre and is designed to produce and store ‘green’ hydrogen energy generated by a 225kW wind turbine to power the EETC and make it self sufficient.
The EETC is due to open in early 2010. Once complete its goal is to encourage the development and commercialisation of environmental energy technologies.
UPS Systems Managing Director Tom Sperrey said, “The creation of the Hydrogen Mini Grid System is an exciting development for fuel cell technology. Generating hydrogen onsite through renewable energy sources such as wind helps to make fuel cells a greener solution. Although this is not the first fuel cell installation where we have had to integrate multiple sources of energy, it raised several new technical challenges that our fuel cell technical team successfully addressed.”
Dr Jason Stoyel, Technical Manager at TNEI and HMGS project manager said: “In putting together the team to deliver this ground breaking project, we wanted to work with companies that could deliver innovative solutions and systems. UPS Systems has not disappointed and with the installation of the fuel cell we are one step closer to on-site generation of ‘green’ hydrogen.”
UPS Systems plc (upssystems.co.uk) is the UK’s largest independent supplier of standby power solutions. Through its independent position, allied to close working relationships with the world’s leading manufacturers, the company is uniquely able to offer impartial technical advice on the widest range of standby power solutions. An authority on fuel cell technology, UPS Systems implemented the UK’s first two hydrogen fuel cells providing ac standby power, and is currently working on projects where the technology will be used for the supply of backup or prime power to utilities, telecommunications, remote telemetry, portable signage and renewable energy applications.
The Advanced Manufacturing Park is a manufacturing technology park providing advanced solutions for organisations. The Environmental Energy Technology Centre located at the Park has a low-carbon life time design and unique energy system.
TNEI is an independent consultancy specialising in five key energy services: Energy Management; Power Systems and Technology; Planning and Environmental; Culture, Strategy and Sustainability and Software Development incorporating IPSA Power.
Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy. It is a business-led organisation that aims to help improve the region’s relative economic performance and reduce social and economic disparities by encouraging public and private investment.
