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Fuel Cell Maintenance

Fuel cells used for telecommunications backup power typically require less maintenance than batteries or generators. However, they do require periodic maintenance. Some vendors believe that one planned maintenance service call each year is enough to keep fuel cell backup power systems running at peak performance.

Fuel cells have no moving parts, so fuel cell maintenance is focused on resupplying hydrogen fuel. Most fuel cell installations are fueled by a six-pack of compressed hydrogen storage containers. These containers hold either 139 or 261scf of hydrogen each at a pressure of 2,400 psi and weigh about 137 lbs. Together, they can power the fuel cell for from 24 to 96 hours.

When the hydrogen fuel supply runs low, a self-checking alarm remotely alerts the operator that the storage containers need to be replenished. The operator then makes arrangements to resupply via "hot swapping" or "bumping." In a hot-swap resupply, prefilled hydrogen storage containers are delivered to the telecommunications site and then swapped one at a time with the depleting containers without disrupting backup operations. Bumping involves refilling the storage containers at the telecommunications site. A hydrogen tanker delivers hydrogen gas and replenishes the existing storage supply.

National codes and standards address hydrogen delivery, and local authorities having jurisdiction may have regulations as well. In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation regulates hydrogen transportation. Learn more about the codes and standards related to hydrogen transportation.

Other fuel cell maintenance is performed by the unit itself. Fuel cell systems can be configured to run unattended "conditioning cycles" to ensure they are operational when needed. The frequency of these self-tests are determined by the operator, but manufacturers recommend that they cycle once a month.

To ensure fuel cell backup power systems operate safely, codes and standards also require periodic inspections of the unit. Learn more about codes and standards related to fuel cell periodic inspections.