{"id":3341,"date":"2017-07-12T08:00:01","date_gmt":"2017-07-12T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plugpower.local\/?p=3341"},"modified":"2017-07-12T08:00:01","modified_gmt":"2017-07-12T12:00:01","slug":"case-study-southern-linc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plugpower.com\/blog\/case-study-southern-linc\/","title":{"rendered":"Case Study: Southern Linc"},"content":{"rendered":"

Southern Linc, a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides wireless communications to Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power and Mississippi Power as well as to a wide range of government and business organizations within their 127,000 square-mile coverage area. Southern Linc is currently constructing a new 4G LTE Advanced network, requiring the installation of more than 1,300 eNB communication nodes.<\/p>\n

The Situation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Southern Linc\u2019s 4G LTE Advanced network is designed to be extremely reliable with redundancies and hardening incorporated into multiple aspects of the network. The network will provide communications coverage for the service territories of Southern Company\u2019s electric utilities and is designed to provide mission critical data and push-to-talk communications for day-to-day operations and for service restoration following emergencies. Specifically, the Southern Company affiliates plan to use the new LTE network for applications such as distribution and transmission SCADA, AMI backhaul, and commercial and industrial metering backhaul. Commercial business and government customers who value the mission critical nature of Southern Linc\u2019s LTE network will also have the opportunity to use this network for voice and data communications.<\/p>\n

Network construction has utilized a combination of existing and new tower locations to provide a footprint similar to Southern Linc\u2019s current wireless network for installation of eNB nodes. While existing locations are already equipped with shelter facilities and backup power generators, new sites are not. Since LTE eNB equipment is smaller, more power efficient and does not require air conditioning, a large shelter is not required at new LTE sites. Because of these new factors and the time, resources and cost to maintain the current generator fleet, Southern Linc explored other options for backup power. This exploration led to discussions with Plug Power and, eventually, the decision to implement Plug Power\u2019s integrated cabinet GenSure fuel cell solution and GenFuel hydrogen supply.<\/p>\n

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Powering Possibilities<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Southern Linc is currently deploying approximately 500 Plug Power integrated cabinets within its LTE network. The cabinet solution houses both network power and communications equipment and includes GenSure hydrogen fuel cells for backup power. This solution offers up to 87% footprint savings versus a small communications shelter and combustion generator. Plug Power\u2019s GenFuel hydrogen supply agreement, including intelligent fuel level monitoring, enables Southern Linc to house its specified 7 days of fuel for network operations at each site in the event that a utility service impacting event were to require backup power. Plug Power maintains the fuel supply as needed for the GenSure fuel cells, whether for routine service, emergency service or disaster recovery. While it is still early in the partnership, Southern Linc expects that this solution will increase the reliability of its network. Southern Linc plans to measure program success by fuel cell uptime and savings in maintenance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe value our relationship with Plug Power and lean on their expertise in zoning and permitting to assist with the deployment of our progressive hydrogen and fuel cell-powered network,\u201d \u00a0commented David Woodham, Southern Linc engineering project manager.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Why Plug Power & Hydrogen Fuel Cells<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Reliability<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fuel cells are expected to perform more reliably with significantly less maintenance than a traditional generator. In order to gain the required reliability from a generator, one must purchase a large generator with a sizable footprint. Combustion generators require a very regimented preventative maintenance program to provide the level of reliability required by Southern Linc. Plug Power\u2019s GenSure fuel cells have been third party tested at 99.6% reliability.<\/p>\n

Lower Cost<\/strong><\/p>\n

Southern Linc expects to see a 64% annual savings in backup power operational expenses by using fuel cells instead of traditional generators. Savings is calculated by including ground lease, refueling, and maintenance. If a federal tax credit is available, a 16% reduction in capital expenses could be realized over installing traditional propane generators and fuel tanks.<\/p>\n

Smaller Space Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n

Plug Power\u2019s integrated cabinet offers Southern Linc reduced ground space lease requirements at each location due to the footprint savings of the cabinet compared to a shelter and generator. This has opened opportunities at very crowded tower sites where space for a combustion generator and propane tank was not available.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Less Maintenance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fuel cell maintenance involves an annual filter inspection and fuel system checks each time the GenFuel hydrogen cabinets are resupplied. Southern Linc expects significant operational savings with fuel cells over the following normally-required generator maintenance items:<\/p>\n