A Methodology for Sizing Backup Fuel-Cell/Battery Hybrid Power Systems

Hybridization of fuel cells and batteries combines the advantages of both power sources. This paper proposes the use of fuel-cell/battery hybrid power systems as backup power systems and develops a methodology for sizing both fuel cell and battery bank, according to a minimum lifecycle cost criterion, from any defined hourly load profile and any defined backup time. For this purpose, an existing power-system-sizing computer tool has been used, but its initial capabilities have been extended. The developed methodology allows decisions to be taken before any investment is made. As a practical application, the methodology is used for the sizing of a backup power system for a telecommunication system.