Performance Analysis of Hydrogen-based Backup Systems for Sustainable Internet Data Centers

Hydrogen-based backup systems (HBSs) are a promising alternative to diesel generators (DGs) in Internet data centers (IDCs) because of their high efficiency, fast response, and near-zero on-site emissions. However, their performance in terms of reliability, cost, and carbon emissions is not yet fully understood. This paper proposes an HBS for IDCs, where medium-temperature fuel cells (MTFCs) produce electricity and waste heat, and absorption chillers (ACs) use this heat to provide cooling. A unified model is developed to describe the links between hydrogen-based energy supply, computing workloads, and indoor temperature control. To evaluate both planning and operation performance, a Sequential Monte Carlo Simulation (SMCS) method is used, with Gaussian copula-based scenario generation and Sobol sequences to improve sampling efficiency. A case study of a pilot IDC in Yulin, China, shows that at a hydrogen price of $1/kg, the HBS can reach an average reliability of service of 99.999%, cut yearly operating costs by $3,750, and lower carbon emissions by 23,333 kg per rack compared with DG-based systems. These results show that HBSs can deliver high-reliability and low-carbon backup power for sustainable data center operation.