IdaTech’s ElectraGen™ Family of Critical Backup Power Systems Achieves NEBS Level 3 Certification
IdaTech, LLC announced that the company's ElectraGen™ family of critical backup power proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell products have satisfied all testing requirements to receive NEBS (Network Equipment Building Systems) Level 3 certification. The NEBS Level 3 certification is a requirement for sales to many North American telecommunications carriers and meets strict industry-recognized standards.
NEBS certification testing includes operational continuity over extreme climate conditions, structural integrity and resistance to earthquakes, drops, firearms and other impacts. The testing also ensures electronic emissions safety and compliance, and that the systems will withstand shipping trauma and exposure to fire. The third party testing, conducted by NTS, an RBOC- (Regional Bell Operating Company) approved independent test laboratory, included physical requirements and electrical criteria to certify that the IdaTech ElectraGen™ fuel cell systems met the standards that apply to telecommunications equipment located in a central office.
IdaTech's ElectraGen™ fuel cell systems come in 3kW and 5kW power capacities and are designed for critical backup power needs ranging from about 1.5kW to 15kW. These advanced fuel cell products provide a cost-effective alternative or complement to valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries. The PEM integrated hydrogen fuel cells systems are designed to provide more than 10 years of reliable power with very low annual maintenance requirements. In the event of grid failure, the ElectraGen™ systems immediately sense power loss to provide a seamless transition to power critical loads for telecommunications, utilities or server applications. Operating on fuel from industrial hydrogen cylinders, the ElectraGen™ systems are capable of providing critical backup power. When paired with IdaTech's ElectraGen™ XTR Module, an IdaTech fuel reformer developed to convert liquid fuel into pure hydrogen to avoid bulky onsite storage, the systems are capable of providing backup power for days, weeks, or longer (based on fuel storage capacity).
IdaTech's President and Chief Executive Officer Claude H. Duss commented, "IdaTech's successful NEBS Level 3 certification is another major commercial milestone and enables further North American deployment of our ElectraGen™ fuel cell systems in the telecommunications industry. Passing this certification is additional validation of our system's robust performance, even in the extreme conditions where telecom sites are located. Whether the carrier's application needs are 1.5kW or 15kW, or emergency power demands are hours, days or weeks, there is an IdaTech solution to provide critical backup power on demand and when needed."
