Nokia Siemens Networks, Ballard Power Systems develop fuel cell
backup power for mobile networks
- Designed to support mobile networks during and after commercial
grid outages
- Passed NTT DOCOMO evaluation tests and Japan statutory approval for power supply
VANCOUVER, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Nokia Siemens
Networks is working with Ballard Power Systems, Inc. to develop
mobile networks that can continue to operate during power
blackouts. Japanese operator NTT DOCOMO has evaluated the Nokia
Siemens Networks Flexi Multiradio base station with integrated fuel
cell* backup for potential commercial deployment. The solution has
been installed at a DOCOMO R&D Center test site in Japan's Yokosuka Research Park (YRP).
"Mobile networks can be vital when a natural disaster strikes,
and power outages make other forms of communication difficult,"
said Mark Donaldson, head of mobile
broadband energy solutions at Nokia Siemens Networks. "Integrating
fuel cells with our base stations can significantly increase the
resilience of the mobile networks we provide."
"Our fuel cell systems provide power for extended periods during
outages caused by natural calamities and commercial grid failures,"
said Larry Stapleton, vice president
of sales at Ballard. "The collaboration with Nokia Siemens Networks
has helped us leverage our service and integration expertise in
order to deliver an emergency-ready alternative power solution for
mobile networks."
Backup power solutions based on fuel cell technology deliver a
number of advantages over conventional batteries and diesel
generators. These include higher reliability across a wide range of
operating conditions, lower maintenance costs, longer operating
life as well as reduced size, weight, installation footprint, noise
signature and environmental impact.
The fuel cell weight and size are significantly less in
comparison to existing lead acid batteries that are typically used
in many base stations to provide backup power for extended outages.
The base station and fuel cell combination developed by Nokia
Siemens Networks with Ballard can provide 4.5 kilowatts of power
for approximately 40 hours on a single tank of fuel.
The solution from Nokia Siemens Networks and Ballard has already
received the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
statutory approval in Japan. After
delivering and setting up the fuel cell at a test site in YRP,
Nokia Siemens Networks participated in and cleared DOCOMO's
evaluation tests.
About Nokia Siemens Networks
Nokia Siemens Networks is the world's specialist in mobile
broadband. From the first ever call on GSM, to the first call on
LTE, we operate at the forefront of each generation of mobile
technology. Our global experts invent the new capabilities our
customers need in their networks. We provide the world's most
efficient mobile networks, the intelligence to maximize the value
of those networks, and the services to make it all work
seamlessly.
With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, we operate in over 150 countries and
had net sales of over 14 billion
euros in 2011. http://www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com
About Ballard Power Systems, Inc.
Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD) (NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean
energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a
range of applications. Products deliver incomparable performance,
durability and versatility. To learn more about Ballard, please
visit www.ballard.com.**
Notes:
*A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy from a
fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or
another oxidizing agent. Hydrogen is the most common fuel, but
hydrocarbons such as natural gas and alcohols such as methanol are
sometimes used. Fuel cells are different from batteries in that
they require a constant source of fuel and oxygen to run, but they
can produce electricity continually for as long as these inputs are
supplied.
** This release contains forward-looking statements concerning
the benefits of our products to customers. These forward-looking
statements reflect Ballard's current expectations as contemplated
under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any
such forward-looking statements are based on Ballard's assumptions
relating to its financial forecasts and expectations regarding its
product development efforts, manufacturing capacity, and market
demand and include the Company's expectations regarding the
potential benefits of the proposed transaction and the timing and
success of future product development efforts.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause
Ballard's actual results to be materially different, including
general economic and regulatory changes, detrimental reliance on
third parties, successfully achieving our business plans and
achieving and sustaining profitability. For a detailed discussion
of these and other risk factors that could affect Ballard's future
performance, please refer to Ballard's most recent Annual
Information Form. Readers should not place undue reliance on
Ballard's forward-looking statements and Ballard assumes no
obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward
looking statements, other than as required under applicable
legislation.
Media Enquiries
Nokia Siemens Networks
Shinji Kimura
Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Japan
Phone: +81 3 5474 6647
E-mail: shinji.2.kimura@nsn.com
Media Relations
Phone: +358 7140 02869
E-mail: mediarelations@nsn.com
Ballard
Guy McAree
Phone: +1 604 412 7919
Email: investors@ballard.com
or media@ballard.com
SOURCE Ballard Power Systems Inc.
Image with caption: "Fuel cell system installed at Nokia Siemens
Networks' green energy test site in Japan. IdaTech fuel cell products are now
owned and manufactured by Ballard Power Systems. (CNW Group/Ballard
Power Systems Inc. )". Image available at:
http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121119_C9423_PHOTO_EN_20878.jpg