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Hungerford, Berkshire, United Kingdom, 03/26/2009 – UPS Systems will provide 20 methanol fuel cells to Interserve Project Services who will install them into the UK’s largest fuel cell telemetry project. Severn Trent Water will use the equipment to monitor and control water flow and alarm signals within an aqueduct that serves the Elan Valley Reservoir.
The Elan Valley Reservoir is vital for supplying water to the West Midlands. The 73-mile long stretch of man-made lakes and reservoirs in Powys, Mid Wales has a potential capacity of 99,500 mega litres of water and supplies over a third of Severn Trent’s total capacity.
Due to the aqueduct’s remote location, using renewable energy sources is not feasible; the only viable option is to install fuel cells. Methanol fuel cells were chosen because they are small, quiet units which can generate enough energy to power the telemetry equipment whilst leaving the surrounding area undisturbed, regardless of sun or wind conditions.
Interserve Project Services is installing eight EFOY Pro 600 fuel cells to integrate with the telemetry equipment in specially designed kiosks, and 11 EFOY Pro 600 Cube units. The ProCube casing enables the unit to be self-sufficient. It incorporates a weatherproof box making it suitable for installation in existing buildings and well-houses that are adjacent to the aqueduct. The final Pro 600 unit is being kept in reserve.
Each unit has a 28 litre canister of methanol which is sufficient to power the equipment 24 hours a day for a minimum of 300 days.
Tom Sperrey, Managing Director at UPS Systems commented: “We are pleased to be able to announce our newest fuel cell project, especially because it’s a telemetry application. Fuel cells are ideal in this particular setting because the units are required for remote locations where access to alternative power sources is difficult to obtain. We are already demonstrating the benefits of fuel cells for portable applications with npower renewables. This project will showcase their suitability for stationary installations, and show how fuel cells are sometimes a better and more effective option to fulfil organisations’ remote power requirements.”
Interserve Project Services Project Manager, Mick Brown remarked: “Thanks to the help of UPS Systems in working with us to our overall solution. We have been able to achieve an innovative solution by providing a constant and cost effective power source in remote locations to one of our key clients”
Adrian Gilbert from Severn Trent Water said: "The installation of the fuel cells for power supplies to the telemetry system on the Elan valley aqueduct will ensure that the communication between the remote sites is reliable and operational at all times throughout the year. Previously we have encountered problems with solar power due to poor light during certain periods. The 28 litre methanol canister has enabled us to reduce the frequency of change and in turn significantly reduce the potential risk of spillage during changes. All the units are supplied in their own cases and are all bundled to add additional security with regard to potential to pollute the water supply. We have decided to use fuel cells for the first time, and UPS Systems has been instrumental in helping us make this decision."
The installation is due for completion in April 2009.
UPS Systems plc (upssystems.uk.com) is the UK’s largest independent supplier of standby power solutions. Through its independent position, allied to close working relationships with the world’s leading manufacturers, the company is uniquely able to offer impartial technical advice on the widest range of standby power solutions. An authority on fuel cell technology, UPS Systems implemented the UK’s first two hydrogen fuel cells providing AC standby power, and is currently working on projects where the technology will be used for the supply of backup or prime power to utilities, telecommunications, remote telemetry, portable signage and renewable energy applications.
Interserve The project services division provides services in design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. It focuses on framework agreements, PFI projects and long-term maintenance contracts and operates across a variety of sectors including education, health, prisons, water, power, waste, transport infrastructure and commercial.
Severn Trent Water is a leading FTSE 100 company. Their focus is on the provision, removal and treatment of water in the UK and internationally. In the UK they provide high quality water and sewerage services to over 3.7 million households and businesses in the Midlands and mid Wales.
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