Power vendor CommScope has released a scalable indoor fuel cell system that can provide 30kW of backup electricity.

The fuel cell, a joint invention with Hydrogenics Corporation, measures 2m and fits into a standard server cabinet.

Multiple power racks can be installed to scale in 30kW increments.

The run time, depending on hydrogen tank sizes, varies from hours to days.

With fuel cells defined as a sustainable energy supply, CommScope claims the back up power supply can help data centers meet carbon reduction targets.

The indoor generator is a successor to a previously launched outdoor fuel cell generator, which was unveiled in February.

When paired with an appropriate uninterruptable power supply system, the scalable indoor fuel cell rack can be configured for 10, 20 or 30kW of sustained alternating current power.

CommScope’s senior VP of enterprise and product and market management George Brooks said the indoor fuel cell provides an efficient level of reliable backup power as an alternative to traditional generators or large battery racks that can take up lots of space in the data center.

Hyrogenics’ CEO Daryl Wilson said while the environmental friendliness of the system might appeal to one set of buyers, it is the fuel cell’s space saving that could win over estate managers and data center planners.

“Space within most data centers is at a premium and this backup power solution takes up the least amount compared with a battery rack or other backup power solutions,”  Wilson said.

“Operating expense is another growing concern for data centers and, depending on the configuration, the indoor hydrogen fuel cell solution can be a lower cost solution than traditional power solutions after just two or three years.”

Fuel cells converts chemical energy directly into electrical energy without combustion, which means there are no greenhouse gases.

CommScope is selling its indoor and outdoor hydrogen fuel cell backup power through its PartnerPRO Network.