LH2 Vessel Liquid H2 concept Validation for Efficient, Scaled and Stacked FC Electric Power Systems

Decarbonization of the maritime sector is a political topic shaping regulations and restrictions for vessel emissions at sea and in ports. The political initiatives focus on CO2, SOx, NOx and particle emissions in coastal regions and harbors, where these emissions affect the health of the people. Electrification of vessels using batteries and hydrogen fuel cells in hybrid combination is potentially a zero-emission energy solution, that can meet the vessels power requirement. In addition, the hybrid electrification utilizes fluctuating wind and solar energy resources for sea transport. This is a relevant and realistic zero emission alternative to diesel engines.

The project will develop a dedicated heavy-duty fuel cell module for maritime applications, based on next generation fuel cell stack technology, maritime balance-of-plant components, DNV-GL approved design principles and fueled with cryogenic liquid hydrogen. The development will be based on the extensive heavy-duty experience from fuel cell buses, trucks and trains and from the early learnings about fuel cells in maritime environment (from HFC Marine, EUDP j.nr. 64018-0721). The project objective is to position and mature the Danish Maritime Fuel Cell Module technology to secure Denmark’s leading role through zero emission power solutions for ships and harbors, creating jobs and growth in the maritime industry for the century. The project target and project outcome are a prototype maritime fuel cell module for liquid hydrogen tested in a laboratory environment (TRL6). The success of the project will be an important element to continue the Danish success of supplying efficient maritime propulsion power in line with the success of Danish Burmeister & Wain diesel engines.
Project description

The project will utilize and combine the Danish leading competencies and technologies for energy efficient maritime technology and maritime fuel cell systems, in order to secure Denmark’s leading role in sustainable maritime propulsion solutions. The design, development, manufacturing, deployment and service of zero emission power solutions for ships and harbor machinery will produce jobs and growth in the Danish maritime industry for the century and secure global competitiveness in the maritime industry.

In the project, the consortium will establish knowhow on onboard storage and usage of liquid hydrogen to fuel larger electrical ships with high power demand (>600kW). The project will develop a new concept for the coupling of several fuel cell modules with new, marine proof balance-of plant components to be tested and conceptually validated in a protected environment (lab).

The project builds on fuel cell experience for heavy duty road transport and compressed hydrogen solutions. For the maritime propulsion in larger vessels, the amount of required hydrogen is higher than for busses and trucks. Hence, liquid hydrogen with a much higher energy density than compressed hydrogen is becoming an attractive choice of zero emission fuel for maritime propulsion.  The technical installations for liquid hydrogen, however, is very different, more challenging and complex than the well-known compressed hydrogen gas installations. The project will identify and develop technical solutions for storing and using liquid hydrogen safely and efficiently on-board on a modular fuel cell system. The project will provide a crucial engineering experience, which can only be achieved through a demonstration of the concept at laboratory-scale.

Key figures

Period:
2019 - 2023
Funding year:
2019
Own financial contribution:
9.72 mio. DKK
Grant:
8.33 mio. DKK
Funding rate:
46 %
Project budget:
18.05 mio. DKK

Category

Programme
EUDP
Technology
Brint and fuelcells
Case no.
64019-0023

Participants

Ballard Europe (Main Responsible)
Partners and economy
Partner Subsidy Auto financing
Ballard Europe 5,16 mio. DKK 7,74 mio. DKK
DANSK GASTEKNISK CENTER A/S 0,84 mio. DKK 1,26 mio. DKK
Aalborg Universitet (Fredrik Bajers Vej) 1,93 mio. DKK 0,21 mio. DKK
ERHVERVSHUS FYN P/S 0,16 mio. DKK 0,16 mio. DKK
MAN cryo 0,23 mio. DKK 0,35 mio. DKK

Contact

Kontakperson
Kristina Fløche Juelsgaard
Comtact information

Majsmarken 1
9500 Hobro
+45 5158 0749

Contact email
kfj@ballardeurope.com

Energiforskning.dk - informationportal for danish energytechnology research- og development programs.

Logo innovationsfonden
Logo for EUDP
Logo for elforsk