ABB and SINTEF Ocean are conducting a research to test the viability of fuel cells as an energy source for main ship propulsion. The research aims to address challenges regarding fuel cell technology to power commercial and passenger ships.
The testing methodology will use two 30kW fuel cells to model the operation and control of a complete marine power system in a megawatt-scale propulsion plant.
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The trials will explore the technicalities of scaling-up and optimize fuel cell/battery combinations, while it will also try to improve the control of fuel cell plant in combination with energy storage, and how to optimize fuel cell stacks.
Jostein Bogen, product manager for energy storage and fuel cells at ABB Marine & Ports, stated:
These trials are expected to provide the platform for fuel cells to build on, so that they can take a position in the maritime sector that is competitive with fossil fuels.
Hydrogen as fuel converts directly to electricity and heat without combustion, while PEM fuel cells operate at a lower temperature, are lighter and more compact than their oxide counterparts.
