Aug 14 – 18, 2023
Europe/Berlin timezone

Ammonia-Based Fuel Cell Hybrid Ships: Pioneering Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Maritime Solutions

Speaker

Dr Jeong Kuk Kim (Korea Maritime and Ocean University)

Description

The global maritime sector is under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adopt sustainable practices. To address these challenges, ammonia-based fuel cell hybrid ships have emerged as a promising solution. This research aims to provide an overview of the current state of ammonia-based fuel cell hybrid vessels and discuss future onshore demonstrations. The propulsion of these ships is generated by two propulsion motors, each consisting of two 25kW hydrogen fuel cells and two 75kW batter systems operation in parallel. An ammonia reformer is installed to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell, and two types of reformers have been developed: pressurized and atmospheric pressure. The fuel cell stack’s efficiency was measured under two test cases: 100% hydrogen (case 1) and 75% hydrogen and 25% nitrogen (case 2). Case 1 demonstrated efficiencies of 62.6% and 61.3%, while case 2 showed efficiencies of 61.4& 60.6%. The reformer’s performance test is currently ongoing. The onshore demonstration of the ammonia-based fuel cell hybrid system is scheduled to take place at the Marine Application Substantiation Technology Center (MASTC) in Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) after completing the reformer and fuel cell performance tests. The onshore demonstration will include incline tests and integrated ammonia-based fuel cell hybrid system tests. Based on the results of the onshore demonstration, a sea trial will be conducted. The integration of ammonia-based fuel cell system into ship propulsion offers multiple advantages, including high energy efficiency, reduced fuel consumption, lower operating costs, elimination of harmful emission, improved air quality, and decreased environmental impact. Additionally, this hybrid ship can serve as a bridge to a zero-emission future by integrating with other renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. In conclusion, the utilization of ammonia-based fuel cell hybrid system in ships has significant potential for achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime industry. It requires further research, technological advancements, and collaborations among industry stakeholders, regulators, and research institutions to overcome barriers and fully realize the benefits of this innovative solution. By embracing ammonia-based fuel cell hybrid ships, the maritime sector can make substantial contributions to global efforts in combating climate change and creating a greener future.

Acknowledgement
This work was supported by Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology(KIAT) grant funded by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups(MMS,Korea) [grant number P0020619]

References

None

Keywords Ammonia, Fuel Cell, Reformer, Hybrid System

Primary author

Dr Jeong Kuk Kim (Korea Maritime and Ocean University)

Co-authors

Prof. Jae-Hyuk Choi (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Prof. Won-Ju Lee (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Prof. Jong-Su Kim (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Prof. Jae-Jung Heo (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Prof. Hyeonmin Jeon (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Su-Jeong Cheo (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Min-Ho Park (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Antony John Nyongesa (Korea Maritime and Ocean University) Dr Sang Gyu Cheon (Panasia) Daeyon Kwak (Bumhan Fuel Cell) Geonwoo Park (Bumhan Fuel Cell) Seonyeong Bae (Bumhan Fuel Cell)

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