Abstract: Telecommunication network nodes located at very hostile environments require, 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 temperatures, maintenance of the generator 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 of high-efficiency boost converter which provides adequate supply voltage for telecommunication devices. The benefits of the proposed solution are improved energy utilization, decreased need for maintenance and zero emission.
Keywords: Hybrid backup power supply, fuel cell, high-efficiency boost converter, solar panel.