Field test of a fuel-cell energy system for telecommunication cogenerationsystems

This article describes the field tests of a fuel-cell system that is clean and highly efficient, using a phosphoric acid fuel cell as the energy sourc e for the communication system. In the field test, the fuel cell is used in the operation of the actual load in two NTT communication buildings. Satis factory cogeneration operation is verified by dc/ac interconnection to the commercial power supply system. The recovered thermal energy is used in the air-conditioning system, realizing an energy efficiency of up to 73%. In l ong-term operation, the operational reliability of the fuel cell is verifie d. At the same time, the data concerning the maintenance and operation are acquired, which indicate the feasibility of applying the fuel cell to the c ommunication system. (C) 2000 Scripta Technica.