Hybrid backup power supply for telecommunication systems based on fuel cell

Telecommunication network nodes located at very hostile environments re- quire, among other rigorous demands, highly reliable backup power supplies. Current solutions, which are mostly based on diesel generators, have several drawbacks such as unreliable start of a diesel generator at low temperature s, maintenance of the gen- erator due to rotary parts, and the pollution of the environment which is caused by exhaustive fumes from a diesel engine. This paper proposes the implementation of backup power supply based on proton exchange membrane (PEM)fuel cell and solar panel. In addition, it is also depicted the implementation o f high-efficiency boost con- verter which provides adequate supply voltage for telecommunication devices. The benefits of the proposed solution are improved energy utiliz ation, decreased need for maintenance and zero emission.