Motorola Powers TETRA with Innovative Fuel Cell Technology at TETRA World
Congress 2008
HONG KONG, May 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TETRA WORLD CONGRESS --
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced that it is showing a Dimetra IP
TETRA base station with a fuel cell at the TETRA World Congress in Hong Kong.
The fuel cell incorporates a reformer so that the base station can run using a
water/methanol mix. This would overcome any supply issues associated with
hydrogen and makes the fuel cell a viable solution in many more locations and
in developing areas of the world. This solution was also shown at the Mobile
World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in February 2008, through a fuel cell
powered cellular phone.
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In mission-critical or emergency operations, TETRA base stations must run
continuously to provide secure communications even in times of power outages.
Batteries or conventional generator solutions have to be provided as a backup
for mains power at critical locations or if the mains power has regular
outages. Generators have a number of disadvantages, including carbon
emissions and noise. Fuel cell technology is advancing and now offers
significant advantages that match the needs for TETRA base stations in
challenging locations.
Motorola has investigated hydrogen powered fuel cell technology for TETRA,
and in areas where hydrogen is readily available, it offers a viable
alternative to diesel powered generators. Motorola is already actively
planning the roll-out of hydrogen powered fuel cells in critical locations in
a nationwide network in Northern Europe. Hydrogen fuel cells are now well
proven in critical power back-up situations and can run for extended periods
limited only by the capacity of the hydrogen, and the only emission is water.
Fuel cell technology is shrinking and Motorola is actively working with
partners to investigate the feasibility of fuel cells in all types of mobile
communications including mission critical radios. In many mission critical
operations, there is a need for long periods of use without the ability to
recharge the unit. Fuel cells offer the promise of extended periods of use
without the need to return to base to recharge. Fuel cells can also be used
to charge TETRA radios in remote locations, for example where TETRA is being
used in an emergency and no power is available. Small fuel cells using liquid
fuels are being evaluated as a means of charging several radios at one time in
a compact desktop unit. Further announcements will be made during 2008 on the
application of this technology in mission critical applications.
As TETRA service extends to more and more areas, the need for cost
effective, reliable, and environmental-friendly back-up power becomes more
significant. Motorola has already recognized this trend in cellular
communications and has a wind and solar power solution available. This builds
on the successful trial in Namibia of a wind and solar powered GSM base
station. The wind and solar power solution can be used with remote TETRA
sites, recognizing that there is a need to design the complete power system
for continuous service during periods of unusual weather conditions. Fuel
cell technology would complement wind and solar power to provide very high
levels of availability in all seasons and extremes of climate.
"Motorola understands that public safety professionals require
communications solutions that are easy-to-use, perform in ultra-rugged
environments where power may be an issue, are ergonomically designed for
public safety, and deliver real-time information seamlessly across multiple
agencies," said Phey Teck Moh, vice president, Motorola Government & Public
Safety, Asia Pacific. "Motorola's MOTOA4(TM) solutions are built around
public safety requirements and a fundamental need for technology that is
'second nature,' enabling responders to focus on the mission and not the
technology."
For more information, visit the Motorola booth at TETRA World Congress
(Booth W) where it will showcase Technology That's Second Nature(TM) through
its MOTOA4(TM) portfolio of mission critical solutions.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The
company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile
experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure,
enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices
and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation
communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100
company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6
billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our
innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com .
SOURCE Motorola
Lynn Chan of Motorola Asia Pacific, +65-9737-5006, lynn.chan@motorola.com; or
Walter Lee of Fleishman-Hillard Hong Kong, +852-2111-3574,
walter.lee@fleishman.com, for Motorola
