Scioto Darby Creek Road Fuel Cell System Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Technology

What is this fuel cell project?

Fuel cells offer highly efficient, clean and safe power that is separate from the regional electric grid. For this project, Amazon Web Services (AWS) contracted with AEP Ohio to construct, install and operate a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system made up of 228 Energy Servers® to provide 72.9 megawatts (MW) of power to the AWS Data Center located on Scioto Darby Creek Road. There are currently no plans to install fuel cells at any other location within the city of Hilliard.

The fuel cell project is part of a contract between AEP Ohio and AWS, which will cover all costs (fuel cell equipment, pipeline infrastructure, etc.) associated with it. The local community will not bear any of the project costs.

What are fuel cells and how will they be used in this project?

This project uses fuel cell technology, which has been around for decades and is used to support the energy needs of businesses, hospitals and schools across the country. Fuel cells don’t burn fuel (i.e. use combustion) to produce electricity. Instead, they use an electrochemical process to convert natural gas to electrical energy. Fuel cells operate safely, quietly, reliably and efficiently. All of the power generated by these fuel cells will be used directly by AWS.

What is a fuel cell’s expected life span?

Each power module, which is made up of multiple stacks of fuel cells, has a lifespan of about five years. Replacement units will be installed at that approximate interval for the duration of the project’s life. Nearly 100% of the replacement units are then either recycled or reused.

Safety and Reliability

Are fuel cells safe?

Yes, fuel cells are a safe, proven technology.

While the actual fuel cells operate at high temperatures, the components are contained within many layers of insulation. During normal operation, the unit is cool to the touch and operates quietly. Hot surfaces are protected by the outer panels.

The fuel cell system is electronically controlled by a Remote Monitoring Control Center (RMCC) and has internal sensors that continuously measure its operation. If a condition outside normal operating parameters is detected, the fuel supply is stopped and individual system components are automatically shut down.

If necessary, an RMCC operator can remotely initiate an emergency stop. An emergency stop initiates an automatic shutdown sequence that puts the fuel cell system into standby mode and causes it to stop exporting power. Following a shutdown, proper review and maintenance of equipment is completed prior to putting the system back in service.

Will the fire department be trained on how to respond to an emergency at this project?

Fuel cell fire prevention and emergency response information and safety training will be made available to local fire departments and first responders. Fires are extremely rare. In the event of a fire, proper emergency protocols will be followed.

Project drawings will be presented to area fire departments for review and field staff will walk fire inspectors through the project, showcasing shut off and emergency procedures. This procedure is in line with safety practices at other fuel cell facilities across the country. (Gas pipeline and fuel cell emergency response will be covered during this walkthrough.)

What regulations or safety standards must be met for installation and operation?

These fuel cell systems, which are manufactured in the United States, are UL-certified and professionally engineered and constructed. AEP Ohio and AWS are adhering to or exceeding all required regulations and safety standards for this project.

The pipeline that is being built to support the project will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with standards established by the United States Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The 8” gas pipeline will be marked and buried underground, similar to most other natural gas pipelines servicing businesses and homes in central Ohio.

How would a gas leak be detected on this project?

Once the fuel cells are up and running, they will be monitored 24/7. The system monitors gas pressure and can detect if it goes outside normal operating conditions. If necessary, an automatic pressure switch will trigger an emergency system shutdown and the fuel input will be isolated until inspection can be completed.

The site also has a manual valve that can shut down all natural gas to the entire fuel cell system.

PHMSA requires natural gas transported by pipeline to be odorized to help detect leaks. In addition, PHMSA regulations applicable to pipelines located in populated areas require more frequent leak surveys. All transmission pipelines require an integrity management program to ensure that the pipeline is maintained to the highest standard. The pipeline will be further assessed every five years using smart pigging tools to ensure the pipeline integrity matches the management program. The gas company monitors the pressures and flow on this pipeline on a 24/7 basis through the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system. If the gas company detects abnormal conditions, there are control valves that can shut the flow of gas off through the SCADA system.

Environmental and Health

Does this project require an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air permit?

Yes. AEP Ohio and Bloom proactively met with the Ohio EPA’s Division of Air Pollution Control to discuss this specific fuel cell technology and emissions from this project.

Based on the project’s low overall air emissions, the project is considered a “minor source” and the Ohio EPA issued a Permit to Install and Operate (PTIO) for this project, which can be found on Ohio EPA’s air permits website as well as posted to the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) docket.

AEP Ohio will monitor and operate the facility consistent with the conditions in the PTIO and Ohio law.

How do fuel cell emissions compare to other energy generation sources?

Fuel cells have fewer emissions than other traditional generation sources. When compared to a natural gas combustion turbine of similar size, emissions from fuel cells are significantly lower. Emissions of NOX (nitrogen oxides) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide) are over 90% lower. Emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide) from fuel cells are ~25% lower.

Why was the Hilliard community not notified about the Ohio EPA issuing a permit for this facility?

The Ohio EPA administers several different air pollution control permits with different requirements based on the nature and amount of air pollution emitted. The AWS fuel cell project is regulated as a minor source of air pollution under the PTIO program, which does not require the Ohio EPA to issue public notice prior to permit issuance. The final permit was posted to the Ohio EPA’s website and is subject to review by the Ohio Environmental Review Appeals Commission. More details about the public review process can be found on the Ohio EPA’s PTI and PTIO Information page.

Could this site utilize a cleaner fuel source, such as hydrogen or biogas?

No. There is no commercially viable source of hydrogen or biogas for this project.

General Questions

Did the passage of Ohio House Bill 15 impact the development of this project?

No. The application process that AEP Ohio followed for this project is the same process that was in place previously. Passage of HB15 did not change this.

How will this project affect the availability and cost of energy in the Hilliard community?

This project will not impact energy availability or cost for the Hilliard area. The fuel cells are paid for by, and provide electricity only to, AWS.

How will the fuel cell installation affect existing utility services?

The fuel cell installation will not impact existing utility services.

How do I submit comments about this project?

Please use our comment form to submit your comments about this project.