Globalcomm: ReliOn exhibits new backup power solutions

Chicago--Fuel cell manufacturer ReliOn exhibited new-this-spring products for backup power at the Globalcomm 2006 trade show.

The T-1000 scalable hydrogen fuel cell is capable of providing power architectures from less than 600 W to 1200 W for backup power to wireline sites, with 24 or 48 VDC . The product can be used either in an indoor environment, or outdoors in an enclosure.

ReliOn’s other new product, the T-2000 fuel cell, is designed to for use at remote cell cites, provides up to 2000 W and can be configured to work in combination for power requirements up to 12 kW. Both products in the “T” series offer hot-swappable Modular Cartridge Technology for configuration to either 24 V or 48 V applications.

ReliOn’s fuel cells are of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) variety and are designed to provide high DC power backup reliability. Hydrogen fuel cells are known for being an environmentally friendly technology as their only byproducts are water and heated moist air.

A ReliOn spokeswoman said the company has seen a four-times growth rate in the past year, with special interest from customers in the Southeast seeking to boost their backup power capabilities in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and other severe storms in the region last year.

ReliOn President and CEO Gary Flood said the company will look to diversify in the future through various fueling options, but will stay in the PEM fuel cell space in the years to come.