Microsoft trials new data centre fuel-cell technology

Three-year pilot project will use proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which are able to start and stop operating quickly

A three-year pilot project is underway to test hydrogen fuel cells as a backup power source in a large data centre owned by technology firm Microsoft. The project is being run by Microsoft in conjunction with fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems and equipment firm Caterpillar, and is Ballard’s first for a data centre. Caterpillar will supply expertise in advanced power technologies, controls and system integration, while Ballard will provide the fuel cells.   The project will use proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which are able to start and stop operating quickly. Fuel cell manufacturer Bloom Energy’s solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)—which operate at a higher temperature—curre