The data center debate on fuel cells

According to a report from CNET, Verizon is using hydrogen fuel cells for its primary power source at a Long Island data center. The report says Verizon spent $13 million to build the facility, and $300,000 in the first year to operate the system -- but the company actually saved $680,000 per year on the energy bill.



SearchDataCenter.com reported on hydrogen fuel cells as well. Some data center managers are hesitant to jump on board with the technology in an existing environment, but say it might be worth looking into for new construction.

What are the pros and cons of fuel cells?

Lighter than batteries or generators

Quieter than batteries or generators

Potentially more environmentally responsible

Longer uptime

Control over power supply in a co-generation scenario

Cons of fuel cells?

Big upfront costs

Unfamiliar technologies

Potentially a net loss on actual energy when you factor in how much energy it takes to process and store the hydrogen for the fuel cells.

For more on the hydrogen economy:

U.S. DOE Hyhdrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program

American Power Conversion's Hydrogen Fuel Cell products, unveiled last summer

UTC Power's fuel cell technology