HFC Marine (Hydrogen fuel cell and battery hybrid technology for marine application)

Propulsion of ships generally pollutes the environment through CO2 emissions and harmful particles when operated by diesel engines. Electrification of ship propulsion is a way to introduce clean tech solutions in parts of the transport sector of special interests in harbors and costal zones. This project is addressing the hybrid electrical propulsion on ships where the electrical power is partly generated onboard the ship by means of fuel cells fueled by hydrogen and partly from batteries. The process of generating electrical power from hydrogen is environmental friendly as the exhaust is only water. Compared to battery powered electrical ships the fuel cell technology will allow for faster refueling and longer distance between refueling. The hybrid combination of batteries and fuel cells will deliver an efficient with both redundancy and reliable supply of electricity for regular propulsion mode and when peak power is required.

The project is phase 1 of an innovative action where the necessary preconditions are developed for preparing the hydrogen fuel cell technology to operate in the maritime environment onboard a ship in hybrid combinations with batteries. Several issues need to be addressed to integrate the technology on a ship: Storage of hydrogen, safety issues in having hydrogen onboard, fueling considerations, cooling of the active fuel cells, securing clean air, sufficient air compression, integration of fuel cells with batteries onboard the ship, certifying the installation etc. Calculations on cost-efficient integration and comparing to alternative battery-operated ship installations. The project is a first step (phase 1) for marine application of hydrogen and fuel cells and will be followed by a demonstration project (phase 2). The intention by the first phase is to design solution geared for demonstration onboard the new modular ferry design by Odense Maritime Technology. The scaled down solution will be implemented and tested in the lab. The learning from lab version will significantly reduce the risk of unforeseen surprises in phase 2 where a full-scale implementation in the new modular ferry design is planned. The new ferry will be demonstrated and operate in coastal waters in the South Funen Archipelago where the Danish Maritime Authority is expected to designate a national test area for autonomous vessels including ferries.