Fuel Cell: An Innovative Energy Backup for Mobile Wireless Communication Networks

Amit Kumar College of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China MBU, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India amitmehta66@gmail.com Tanvir Singh IET Bhaddal Technical Campus, Ropar, Punjab, India singhtanvir21@gmail.com Dr. Yunfei Liu College of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China Dr. Sawtantar Singh Khurmi Department of Computer Science & Engg., Bhai Maha Singh College of Engineering, Muktsar, Punjab, India Abstract- The increase in density of base stations in next generation of mobile wireless communication networks (4G and beyond) is pressing a need to accelerate the development of advanced clean energy technologies in order to address the global challenges of energy security, climate change and sustainable development. Optimizing energy efficiency through alternative energy resources will be an inevitable choice to reduce environmental impact, to cut costs and to make wireless mobile technology more affordable for everyone. Due to recent innovations and research endeavors, the cost of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is constantly decreasing but the RES like Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Hydro energy etc. are limited by the whims of nature and cannot be considered as reliable sources of base load power when and where needed. On the contrary, Fuel Cell offers a ubiquitous, clean, reliable and most efficient form of distributed power generation over a range of sizes. In this paper, we have explored fuel cell as a potential source for energy back up, which will help in achieving the energy optimization and sustainability in mobile wireless networks. Keywords Mobile wireless Communication, Fuel Cell, Energy Optimization, 4G, Renewable Energy Sources, Sustainability. I. INTRODUCTION The ICT (Information and Communication Technology) industry has emerged as one of the major sources of world energy consumption with an incredible growth around the globe.

Fig. 1 Global Mobile December, 2011[13]

Subscriptions

The Second International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 31 May - 1 June 2012, Thailand

Amit Kumar, Tanvir Singh, Dr. Yunfei Liu, Dr. Sawtantar Singh Khurmi

The energy consumption by ICT industry is expected to get more demanding in the future due to increase in the density of base stations in 4G and beyond wireless communication networks. Every year, 120,000 new base stations are deployed servicing 400 million new mobile subscribers around the world [79]. Therefore, powering the telecommunication networks is a significant challenge ahead. Inconsistent power grid coverage, challenging terrain, and potential theft, add to the cost of traditional fuel based power systems. Green considerations are coming into prominence in network design [1]. In this paper, we have explored fuel cell as a potential source for energy back up, which will help in achieving the energy optimization and sustainability in mobile wireless networks. II. Fuel Cell- Energy Backup The telecommunications industry relies on an elaborate network of cell phone towers and field facilities to transmit phone calls and provide services. To operate effectively, each of these towers and field facilities requires a constant and highly reliable electrical power supply. Fuel cells are energy-conversion devices that can efficiently capture and use the energycarrying capacity of hydrogen to power nearly every end-use energy need. Energy uses include portable devices, transportation vehicles, and stationary power stations, such as those used for the telecommunications industry [5]. Fuel cells are more effective than batteries for backup power because they last longer and are more predictable. Even though batteries have a five-year life expectancy, their capacity diminishes with time, and they can be ruined if their charge is drawn too often. Fuel cells, however, can operate for ten years or more with undiminished power quality and quantity [11, 12]. Compared with generators, fuels cells are cleaner, quieter, pollute less, and require little on-site maintenance. Fuel cells are environmentally friendly because they convert the chemical energy in hydrogen directly to electricity with pure water and

heat as the only by-products [3, 4]. Other advantages of fuel cells for backup power include: Operating efficiencies around 50% Scalable and modular to operate in parallel Wider operating temperature range (-40F to 122F) Indoor or outdoor use with a minimal footprint Longer life with no moving parts [2] III. Working of a Fuel Cell Fuel cells basically involve a reversal of electrolysis. A fuel cell always contains two electrodes. Depending on the type of fuel cell, pure hydrogen (H2) or a fuel containing hydrocarbons is fed through the anode and pure oxygen (O2) or air as an oxidation material is fed through the cathode. An electrolyte separates the anode and cathode (Figure 2). As a result of this, the chemical reaction is controlled. Electrons flow over a large circuit and emit electric energy. The remaining positively charged ions diffuse through the electrolyte. The waste product is water [15].

Fig.2 Basic Diagram of Fuel Cell [10, 14] There are different types of fuel cells that essentially differ from each other based on electrolytes, the permissible fuel gases and operating temperatures. Figure 3 shows the respective fuel gases and oxidation materials as well as the electrolytes and operating temperature ranges for the different types of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane

Special Issue of the International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management (IJCIM)

Fuel Cell: An Innovative Energy Backup for Mobile Wireless Communication Networks

fuel cell (PEMFC) is the one most frequently used today [15].

Medical industry It includes hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical care facilities require reliable base load power around the clock, and they have a need for cogeneration heat. UltraClean, quiet fuel cells offer a viable alternative to dependence on conventional fossil fuel-based utilities for base load power. Prisons Prisons have well defined power and heat loads, and benefit from the reliability gained by paralleling a fuel cell power plant with the grid. A power loss at one of these facilities would cause concerns about security, even though short-term backup systems exist. Many prisons also house a medical facility, for which reliable power and heat is essential. Wastewater treatment plants Many wastewater treatment plants use anaerobic digester gases. Fuel cells can take advantage of this gas more effectively than any other power source. This unique relationship between Direct Fuel Cells and anaerobic digesters results in the most efficient and environmentally friendly use of this energy source. V. Comparison Comparisons between different technologies including Wind, Solar, Fuel Cell, and Pico Hydro are shown below:

Fig.3 Difference between Various Fuel Cells [15] IV. Applications [6] Hospitality: The success of a hotel depends largely on its ability to provide an attractive, clean, and quiet environment. Quiet and unobtrusive fuel cells can provide power to the facility with a heat byproduct that is useful for swimming pools, domestic hot water, and building heat. Manufacturing plants Manufacturing facilities take advantage of fuel cells for both base load power and peak load management. Waste heat produced in the process is often used in the manufacturing process to augment or replace existing heating systems.
Technology Wind Description Coastal locations or hilly areas Wind speeds of 4mph 30mph, averaging at least 8 mph across a 4 hour period

Pros Small footprint Minimal OPEX efficient for generation and DC

Cons Cost per kW produced currently higher than Solar or Diesel Minimum wind speed ~4-6 mph needed Cost higher than diesel array can be a target for vandalism of theft

Solar

Areas with long/good sunlight ~ 6-8 hours/day Space available for the array

Minimal OPEX Cheaper than turbines for same KW output Expecting further price reduction

The Second International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 31 May - 1 June 2012, Thailand

Amit Kumar, Tanvir Singh, Dr. Yunfei Liu, Dr. Sawtantar Singh Khurmi

Fuel Cell

Access to atmosphere for oxygen and water vapor output Protected from very low temperatures High rainfall, hilly terrain

Energy efficiency Fuel flexibility

Pico Hydro

Not as susceptible to short weather conditions

Hydrogen fuel source availability and storage Cost Maturity of alternatives to Hydrogen Requires specific water flow conditions (e.g. river with a gradient)

VI. Corporate Vision Mobile operators and vendors are working on a number of initiatives to develop energy efficient networks and ensure that their customers use energy-efficient handsets. Examples of these activities include: Designing low energy base station sites. Deploying base-stations powered by renewable energy. Implementing infrastructure optimization and sharing. Reducing mobile device life cycle emissions through design and recycling. Vodafone We have set ourselves a tough challenge to halve our CO2e emissions by 2020, from the 2006/07 baseline... This Group reduction target applies to all of our local operating companies that were active for a full year in 2006/07; and to their CO2e emissions from all energy sources except business flights and other greenhouse gases. Ericsson In 2008, Ericsson set a new group-level target to reduce its life-cycle carbon footprint by 40% over the next five years, starting with a 10% reduction in 2009. The footprint will include total CO2 emissions from: inhouse activities, such as production, transport, sites and business air travel, and the lifetime energy use of the products sold by Ericsson during the year (portfolio energy-efficiency improvement). Motorola Reduce normalized carbon footprint (includes direct greenhouse gas emissions and indirect emissions from electricity use) by 15% from 2005 levels and... As a founding member of the Chicago Climate

Exchange (CCX), a voluntary emissionsreduction program, we also have committed to a 6% reduction in our absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2010, compared with 2000. Fuel cells operate by converting a fuel, such as hydrogen, into electricity without combustion. There are several types of fuel cells, of which the most promising for telecommunications is the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). The PEMFC operates at low temperatures, and runs at 4060% efficiency. Motorola is involved in fuel cell research for networks and mobile devices. Figure 4 is the set up for a trial to use fuel cells to power TErrestrial TRunked RAdio (TETRA) networks, used in public safety communications and other Private Mobile Radio networks. Motorola is also exploring micro fuel cell technologies as a replacement for rechargeable batteries in mobile devices. In partnership with various companies, Motorola is developing technologies such as: Hybrid fuel cell technologies for radios A hydrogen generator as a miniature fuelcell power source5 Improving PEM fuel cell performance, durability, and manufacturability using single wall carbon Nano tubes (SWNTs).

Fig. 4 TETRA Fuel Cell Experiment

Special Issue of the International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management (IJCIM)

Fuel Cell: An Innovative Energy Backup for Mobile Wireless Communication Networks

VII. CONCLUSIONS Optimizing energy efficiency through alternative energy resources will be an inevitable choice to reduce environmental impact. Due to recent innovations and research endeavors, the cost of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is constantly. Fuel cells are emerging as a strong alternative power source candidate. The technology has matured in recent years in terms of fuel efficiency, climate resistance, reliable startup, and being very compact. Having reached volume manufacturing and with prices falling, they will challenge conventional engine driven generators in terms of cost and reliability. In this paper, we have discussed fuel cell as a potential source for energy back up, which will help in achieving the energy optimization and sustainability in mobile wireless networks. REFERENCES
[1] White Paper Motorola, Alternatives for Powering Telecommunications Base Stations, [Online] Available: www.motorola.com/web/Business/S olutions/.../6872_MotDoc.pdf [2] US Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Program, Fuel Cells for Backup Power in Telecommunications Facilities, [Online] Available: www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/445 20.pdf [3] US Department of Energy (DOE) Fuel Cell Technologies Program, Early Markets: Fuel Cells for Backup Power, Dec-2010, [Online] Available: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcell s/education/pdfs/early_markets_backup_power.pd f [4] European Commission, Fuel cell Innovative Remote System for Telecom (FIRST), [Online] Available: ec.europa.eu/research/energy/pdf/efchp_fuelcell25 .pdf [5] Fuel Cell Energy, Inc., Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems with Direct Fuel Cell Technology Tackle Growing Distributed Base load Power Challenge, [Online] Available: www.fuelcellenergy.com/files/FCE%20WhitePap er%20040308_2.pdf
The Second International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 31 May - 1 June 2012, Thailand

[6] Fuel Cell Energy (FCE) Technology Brochure, [Online] Available: http://www.fuelcellenergy.com/files/FCE_Techn ology_Brochure_080807P.pdf [7] Amit Kumar, Dr. Yunfei Liu, Dr. Manu Sood, Tanvir Singh, Sunder Gopal Singh, Sustainability in Wireless Mobile Communication Networks through Alternative Energy Resources, IJCST Vol. 1 Issue 2, Dec 2010. [8] Amit Kumar, Dr. Yunfei Liu, Tanvir Singh, Dr.Sawtantar Singh Khurmi, Sustainable Energy Optimization Techniques in Wireless Mobile Communication Networks, The First International Conference on Interdisciplinary Research and Development, 31 May - 1 June 2011, Thailand. [9] H. Sistek, "Green-tech base stations cut diesel usage by 80 percent," in CNET News Green Tech, 2008.

[10] Karanpreet Kaur, Tanvir Singh, Amit Kumar, Use of Renewable Resources in Wireless Communication Networks, IJREAS Volume 2, Issue 2 (February 2012). [11] Ellis, M.W., Von Spakovsky, M.R., Nelson, D.J., "Fuel cell systems: efficient, flexible energy conversion for the 21st century", IEEE Xplore, Volume: 89, Issue: 12, pp: 1808 - 1818. [12] Williams, M.C., "Fuel cells and the world energy future", Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, 2001, Volume: 1. [13] 4gamericas (2012), Global Mobile market Share Q4-2011, [Online] Available: http://www.4gamericas.org [14] Nolberto Munier, Introduction to Sustainability: Road to a Better Future, Springer 2005. [15] Volker Quaschning, Renewable Energy and climate change, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2010