Equinix tests out fuel cells as alternative for datacenter power
Equinix has teamed up with the National University of Singapore to investigate the potential of hydrogen as a green fuel source for datacenter infrastructure.
The global datacenter and colocation provider said it has formed a partnership to examine on-site power generation technologies for bit barns of the future with the Centre for Energy Research & Technology (CERT) at the National University of Singapore's (NUS) College of Design and Engineering.
According to Equinix, the research will compare the efficiency of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells with fuel-flexible linear generator technologies in providing power for datacenters.
The project is the result of a memorandum of understanding between the two entities, under which CERT will conduct an analysis of the technologies, in order to determine their viability to operate at large scale.
Equinix expects to develop proof-of-concept projects for real-world testing within its global network of datacenters, with a view to incorporating the most viable technology into future designs.
