© Ballard Power Systems
Ballard Power Systems and Vertiv have partnered to develop and implement a pioneering hydrogen fuel cell-based uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system for data centers. This fully integrated, zero-emission backup solution is scalable from 200kW to multiple megawatts and has undergone extensive validation and testing across multiple global sites.
By integrating two 200kW Ballard FCwave™ fuel cells into Vertiv’s Power Module H2, the companies have created a scalable microgrid capable of delivering 1MW of clean backup power. The system includes cooling sub-systems, power conditioning equipment, a fuel cell site controller, and hydrogen storage infrastructure. The objective is to replace traditional diesel generators and provide an environmentally sustainable UPS solution with unlimited operational hours.
Addressing Data Center Growth and Emissions
The rapid expansion of data centers is being driven by surging demand for cloud computing, big data analytics, IoT, and AI. The data center market, valued at $200 billion in 2020, is projected to exceed $600 billion by 2030, with data generation expected to reach 175 zettabytes globally by 2025. This exponential growth demands greater storage and processing capabilities, leading to a projected doubling of data center facilities within the decade.
Currently, most data centers rely on diesel generators, which contribute significantly to carbon and particulate emissions. As environmental regulations tighten and the industry moves toward carbon neutrality, data center operators are seeking sustainable alternatives. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a compelling solution, delivering stable, efficient, and zero-emission backup power, provided the hydrogen is sourced from renewable energy.
How Fuel Cell UPS Systems Work
Hydrogen fuel cell-based UPS systems provide reliable and robust backup power by reducing dependence on the electrical grid. These systems can form a self-sustaining microgrid, automatically switching to battery storage during power failures. If an outage persists, fuel cell modules take over, ensuring uninterrupted power supply without reliance on fossil fuels.
Ballard Power Systems has extensive experience in PEM fuel cell technology for backup power applications. Their latest system integrates FCwave™-PowerGen fuel cell engines, battery banks, and supporting infrastructure, which have been rigorously tested at Ballard’s European facilities in Denmark.
Scaling for Commercial Deployment
Throughout 2024, Vertiv has conducted comprehensive reliability and performance tests, including automatic start-up during mains failure, load support, and battery recharge via fuel cells. Testing phases in Denmark, Italy, and the U.S. have reinforced hydrogen’s viability, safety, and scalability for widespread market adoption.
The partnership between Ballard and Vertiv is setting a new industry standard, demonstrating that hydrogen fuel cells are not only a viable alternative to diesel generators but also a critical component of the transition toward sustainable digital infrastructure. By enabling large-scale adoption of zero-emission UPS systems, this innovation supports the IT sector’s decarbonization efforts while ensuring operational resilience.
