FAQ
Fuel Cell
Fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and heat and emit only pure water. Because hydrogen fuel cells have zero noise and no moving parts they create no sound or vibration both on board and in marine ecosystems.
Multi-Megawatt (MW) Fuel cells are currently being used to generate power in stationary applications with >1MW systems being used in port marine environments for over a decade. In maritime shipping applications, fuel cells have been used in seagoing vessels, including passenger vessels and submarines, for over 30 years. Source: Zestas
FAQs
- What is a fuel cell stack? What is a fuel cell stack?
- How do fuel cells work on a ship? How do fuel cells work on a ship?
- What are the risks from fuel cell systems and how are these mitigated? What are the risks from fuel cell systems and how are these mitigated?
- What safety standards exist for fuel cells? What safety standards exist for fuel cells?
- What are the benefits of PEM fuel cells? What are the benefits of PEM fuel cells?
How do fuel cells work on a ship?
A fuel cell stack will not operate stand-alone, but needs to be integrated into a fuel cell system to generate power. On a ship, this is called marinisation.
In the fuel cell system, different auxiliary components such as compressors, pumps, sensors, valves, electrical components and control unit provide the fuel cell stack with a necessary supply of hydrogen, air and coolant.
The control unit enables safe and reliable operation of the complete fuel cell system.
Operation of the fuel cell system in the targeted application will require additional peripheral components i.e. power electronics, inverters, batteries, fuel tanks, radiators, ventilation and cabinet.
Marinised Fuel Cell System – Image courtesy of PowerCell Sweden AB
– Information from PowerCell Sweden AB –