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‘Green’ technology
Hydrogen fuel cells provide a stable power environment that is not
at risk of theft, unlike batteries and generators. They are also much
quieter than generators, making them non-disruptive and conducive
to a learning environment.
Above all, fuel cells are ‘green’ technology which adds to their
relevance not only in the rural school environment, but in the wider
industrial context, which is increasingly focused on reducing or elim-
inating carbon emissions.
Fuel cell technology is undoubtedly at the forefront of energy-relat-
ed technology currently available; however, its implementation involves
several aspects for consideration, and the input of various stakeholders.
There is still much work to be done, for example, in terms of
legislation in this country. The use of fuel cells is gaining increasing
relevance globally and pilot projects, such as Cofimvaba, are vital
for our understanding of the practical applicability of the technology.
Challenges facing the development of hydrogen fuel cell tech-
nology include changing legislation and changing corporate and
industrial standards (both locally and internationally) relating to risk
control mechanisms.
There are risks involved when it comes to commercialising the tech-
nology, such as ensuring that the entire installation is correctly earthed,
and ensuring a safe connection between the gas supply and the fuel
cell. Although hydrogen itself is not a high-risk gas, the installation at
Cofimvaba necessitated certain risk mitigation factors – such as lim-
ited quantities of hydrogen on site, cordoning off of the installation to
prevent tampering and theft (of small parts), and the use of a flexible
hose between the manifold and cylinder which would rupture and
vent in the unlikely case of fire.
Hydrogen, known as the lightest and most abundant element in
the universe, has a wide flammable range (of between 4% and 75%).
In the normal operation of a fuel cell installation, due to design and
safety considerations, there is no risk of explosion. As it is extremely
light in molecular weight, in the case of a leak, hydrogen dissipates
into the surrounding atmosphere.
Uninterrupted power where it is needed most
Hydrogen technology has particular application for stand-by power in
the telecommunications industry, as well as mission-critical sectors
such as hospitals and clinics.
Hydrogen fuel cells have been used successfully in the US tele-
communications industry as a form of back-up power supply for cell
phone towers. We see great scope for this technology in the local
telecoms industry. In summary, we see it in any context which requires
an uninterrupted power supply - particularly in remote, rural areas.
Second project:
Storing medication
A fuel cell project at a healthcare facility in Randburg, is addressing
the problems of storing medication at the correct temperature during
power outages.
Conclusion
Another advantage of hydrogen fuel cells is that they have no work-
ing mechanical parts, require little or no maintenance while ‘up and
running’, and have a considerably longer life-cycle than other forms
of back-up power.
Currently the cost per kW/hour of a hydrogen fuel cell system is
not directly comparable with generated power. However, the ease
of installation, reliability and low level of support required enable fuel
cell systems to provide viable back-up to specific critical applications
and in remote locations.
Fuel cell technology is dependent on an efficient, cost-effective
mode of hydrogen supply and distribution. The company represented
by the author is committed to working alongside other stakeholders
to develop a hydrogen distribution solution that is both scalable and
economical for the end-user.
Using fuel cells for back-up power in remote, disadvantaged and
unindustrialised areas is just the start. As leaders in hydrogen-based
technologies, we look forward to forging new partnerships and finding
innovative ways of scaling up the technology, using our initial projects
as basis.
Not only does the technology address the numerous socio-eco-
nomic challenges we have in this country, but it points to a more
energy-efficient future, which is in line with the global drive to reduce
carbon emissions.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY MADE SIMPLE 2015