Avista Corp. subsidiary ReliOn Inc. (Spokane, WA), a provider of high-reliability fuel cell solutions for backup power applications, released the successful operation of its equipment during Hurricane Frances. ReliOn's power solution is installed at a telecommunications site, which was in the central path of the storm.
The NEBS Level 3 compliant solution features ReliOn's Independence 1000 fuel cell housed inside its outdoor enclosure. When primary power was knocked out by the hurricane, the fuel cell solution powered the site for 22 hours, performing as designed.
ReliOn CEO John Werderman said, "The events of Hurricane Frances provided a significant test of the performance and reliability of our fuel cell products for telecommunications applications. We are pleased with the effectiveness of our products in maintaining the power required to keep our customer's communication networks operational during extreme weather conditions."
