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Innovative fuel cell system
SEA TRIALS FOR METHANOL-H2 GENERATOR SLATED FOR 2022
e1 Marine's methanol-to-hydrogen generator and fuel cell system is set to make low-to-no emissions a near-term reality and a financially attractive choice to replace today's diesel generators
The e1 Marine system has been deployed in power generation for more than 5,000 hours and has been used to power a truck for more than 5,000 kilometres with no issues. It is now undergoing configuration for marine applications, both for the auxiliary power needs of larger vessels and for main propulsion on coastal and inland shipping vessels up to 10,000dwt. Additional applications planned include reefer power for container ships, port infrastructure such as shoreside power, offshore markets, as well as cruise ships, ferries, yachts and fishing vessels.
Class approval is expected later this year, and e1 Marine is working with several fuel cell manufacturers. Sea trials for a first retrofit project are planned for 2022. Stuart Crawford, Managing Director of e1 Marine, says: “Initially we see the hydrogen production unit as supplementing existing power systems. It produces hydrogen that can then displace a percentage of the conventional fuel used, either by combining it with a fuel cell and hence displacing genset equipment entirely, or conversely, by feeding the hydrogen into the scavenge space of traditional engines and consequently displacing a percentage of the conventional fuel. Its current capabilities can be used in conjunction with low and zero-carbon fuels, such as LNG.”
The hydrogen generator uses catalytic steam reforming to produce hydrogen with methanol and water as feedstock. One-third of the hydrogen produced is attributable to the addition of water. This water can be produced onboard or simply recycled from a PEM fuel cell exhaust, so the vessel need only store methanol in quantity. The hydrogen is produced at the point of use, so fuel lines associated with the gas will be short and handled much the same as gaseous methane is currently piped onboard.
With one-third of the hydrogen produced coming directly from water, Crawford says the system is able to reduce CO2 emissions by a minimum of 25% at a competitive price. The system, including a fuel cell, consumes 35% less energy than diesel generators, reduces CO2 emissions by 30-35% and produces zero particulates, NOx and SOx emissions.
“When combined with PEM fuel cell technology, our system costs are comparable with a standard generator set,” says Crawford. “When we combine the system with a fuel cell, our combined thermal efficiency is around 42% - a conventional 4-stroke diesel generator set up is approximately 37%. The hydrogen generator alone is 82% efficient.”
The modular system can be deployed in box form or integrated into existing engine room designs, whether retrofit or newbuilding. Power output ranges from 50KW to 2MW, with larger sizes also possible. When combined with a PEM fuel cell, a 400Kw system is about the same size as a 20-foot container and will be more or less plug and play, Crawford says. The simple design and construction of the system means it is very reliable, and with few moving parts it results in low maintenance and repair costs compared to diesel engines.
Crawford notes that methanol is one of the most accessible new marine fuels. It is widely available in major ports around the world, easy to transport and has been handled safely for more than a century. There is a ready pool of seafarers experienced in managing it. “Methanol also has significant cost advantages that apply today, even in comparison with current diesel generators and before considering any new regulation or carbon tax.” He notes the e1 Marine technology is ready to meet all future regulatory requirements by simply switching to renewable methanol.
E1 Marine is a joint venture between Ardmore Shipping, Element 1 and Maritime Partners, with each firm owning a 33.3% stake in the company. Mark Cameron, COO of Ardmore Shipping, believes there's a market for more than 200,000 of e1 Marine's systems each producing 500kW. “To meet the IMO mandate, we must look to future fuels. At Ardmore, we see this technology as a key enabler in allowing the onboard use of hydrogen as a fuel. In addition, the onboard production of hydrogen from a mixture of green methanol and water solves the hydrogen transportation issue in a carbon-neutral manner. When combined with future carbon capture (currently under development), this technology will offer the industry a carbon-negative solution.
“We are committed to the environment, and believe that with our active involvement, we are contributing toward a greener future by ensuring the industry has a way not only to meet but to exceed the IMO mandate on future carbon intensity.”
8 Stuart Crawford,
