China Classification Society (CCS) recently awarded China’s first certificate of type approval for a marine fuel cell product to Wuhan-based Troowin Power System Technology Co.
The certificate was issued by CCS’ Wuhan branch following more than a year of reviews and on-site tests. The approval marks a major milestone in China’s pursuit of commercially viable alternative fuels and provides a new channel for the use of hydrogen fuel cells on ships.
CCS is working hard to develop the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen is abundant and is an ideal candidate as a zero-emission fuel for combustion engines. This certificate is the culmination of many years of work.
…Jia Siqing, General Manager of Industrial Products for CCS Wuhan branch, said.
As Mr Jia further explained, the next phase of hydrogen development will see CCS undertake a series of real time tests on a purpose-built bulk carrier of 2,100DWT.
In fact, the ship is currently at the design stage but is expected to be powered by four 130kW hydrogen fuel cells. However, once completed, the ship will be trialled along the Pearl River in Guangdong province, where it will carry operational cargoes. Reinforcing the data from these tests will be feedback from other sectors, such as the Chinese electric automotive sector.
Mr Jia said a major challenge CCS is looking to tackle during the tests is storing enough hydrogen to take a ship on a deep sea voyage. Therefore, CCS is researching ways to store hydrogen in large quantities and combine it with other fuel sources to extend range.
We are looking at methods to create hydrogen at sea, such as the use of methanol or ammonia, which can be transported easily and cheaply. But the main focus of our work is carrying enough bulk hydrogen, for an entire voyage. We think liquid hydrogen would be a good contender for this. In the meantime high-pressure gas cylinders would be a reasonable solution.
In addition to conducting research on various forms of marine hydrogen fuel storage technology, CCS has also jointly carried out special research on the application of hydrogen fuel on ships with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The research included risk assessment, ventilation and fire-fighting. The studies evaluated the feasibility, reliability and safety of hydrogen fuelled ships and provided support for the development of technical regulations.
Concluding, CCS is also authorized by the China Maritime Safety Administration to research and develop the first domestic technical regulations for ships using hydrogen fuel, which will be released at end of 2021.
