APC 400kW1MW User Manual download pdf (Page 54)

UTC Power, FuelCell Energy, and CFC Solutions report their fuel cell stack life

anywhere from 3 to 10 years. UTC Power’s PureCell Model 400 has a 10 year stack life. This

is a huge improvement compared to the listed 5 year life in 2007 [75, p. 9]. As previously stated

in section 3.3.2, APC’s PEMFC for backup server power also has an estimated 10 year lifetime

[36, p. 2]. According to FuelCell Energy’s website, they are currently working on improving the

DFC’s stack life from 3 years to 5 years. They state that this will reduce operating costs and

increase availability [76, para 2]. In 2007, CFC Solutions achieved 30,000 hours of life with their

HotModule MCFC, which is nearly 3.5 years [77, p. 18].

6.4 Large Footprint & Weight

Although fuel cell systems may be easy to site due to their low emissions and noise

levels, the large footprint and weight that the systems require could cause architects and

engineers a few setbacks. For example, the UTC Power PureCell Model 400’s fuel cell module

is 8.5 feet wide, 27.5 feet long, and 10 feet high. The cooling module of the PureCell Model 400

is approximately 7.75 feet wide, 13.5 feet long, and 6.25 feet high. The typical site layout of the

UTC Power PureCell Model 400 fuel cell and cooling modules, including all required clearances,

is 34.5 feet wide by 38.5 feet long. The PureCell Model 400 fuel cell module is also heavy,

weighing in at 60,000 pounds [56, p. 1].

FuelCell Energy’s DFC also requires a large area. As shown in Appendix B, the overall

width, length, and height of this system is 20 feet, 28 feet, and 15.1 feet, respectively. The

weights of the DFC’s modules are considerably less than those of the PureCell Model 400. The

Mechanical Balance of Plant, Electrical Balance of Plant, and Fuel Cell Module weigh 27,000

lbs, 15,000 lbs, and 35,000 lbs respectively [57, p. 2].

Rack weight capacity must be considered if rack-mounted fuel cells, such as the PEMFC

by APC, are to be used for backup power. One of APC’s InfraStruXure modules weighs 880 lbs

[36, p. 2].

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APC 400kW1MW User Manual Page 54