State of the art of a data centre is grid supply + UPS + diesel generators as power back up, in order to guarantee the basic “five nine” reliability requirement to Critical loads.
The use of fuel cells systems with high electrical efficiency allows the saving of primary energy, comparing to any other utility/generators, directly impacting on carbon footprint of the product. In addition, it helps to save complex and costly electrical infrastructures (for instance for power distribution), where gas distribution is typically already existing and more easily provided.
The integration of fuel cells into a data centre is something of fully innovative, going into market requirements with low cost and environmentally friendly concepts. Being that data centre typically located in cities, sound level is also another important requirement. Fuel Cell systems are very quiet, comparing to diesel generators, good matching with this important requirement. The probability of gas grid interruptions, beyond the incorporation of a UPS/battery system which is limited in time depending on battery size, is very low. SOFC-based fuel cells can also operate with green gases (i.e. green hydrogen, biomethane, etc.) making them more and more as attractive part of global decarbonization solutions. Standardization of power solutions is a crucial aspect for opening the market and make the option replicable in other locations.
Fuel cell system operates at high electrical efficiency, higher than what combination of grid and alternative generators can provide. The power produced by the fuel cell generators will be used in a highly efficient way within the data centre, without further dissipations as happens in standard supply concepts. Fuel Cell based systems running with natural gas do not create harmful emissions such as sulphur dioxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), and very reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and CO2. In many areas, and particularly in urban environmental, these emissions are being more and more regulated, in order to minimize the effects on people life quality and health issues. This as an intermediate step towards transitioning to 100% green hydrogen solutions), further reducing particularly CO2 emissions, in line with decarbonization strategies of EU and single members.
The Proof of Concept fuel cell will be assessed on its environmental impact, which will be achieved by a life cycle analysis (LCA). This will also include assessments of the fuel type as biogas and hydrogen become a viable alternative with lower environmental impact.
