FUEL CELLS FOR HYDROGEN FROM LH2 GAS METHANOL METHANOL

NEW BOY ON THE BLOCK - In this CAD end elevation, it is possible to see how the simple trimaran hull design lends itself to experimental use of various fuel storage systems to supply the onboard fuel cells - in the quest for zero emission waterborne transport. But like all technical challenges, until somebody does it, the trophy remains up for grabs. Nobody has yet crossed a the major oceans at speed using fuel cells.

The Elizabeth Swann's design allows us considerable flexibility when it comes to incorporating fuel cells, as part of a hydrogen delivery system powering electric pod drives.

The development of fuel cells continues. At the present state of play, they are more than capable of providing the energy needed for the Swann to stage an attempt at the JVH2.

Where there is no bunkering for high pressure or liquid hydrogen on the proposed 80 day routes, we are examining the possibility of using other hydrogen carriers, to include ammonia and methanol.

AeH2		Spanish Hydrogen Association
AFRY AF Poyry		Engineering design advising on infrastructure & energy
Cadent		UK Gas supply network
CHBC		California Hydrogen Business Council
Cefic		European Chemical Industry Council
ENGIE storengy		Gas supply, marketing & consultancy
Eurogas		European Gas Association
GIE		Gas Infrastructure Europe
H2Platform		Oo Weg Met Waterstof
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association		European
Hydrox Holdings Ltd		Membraneless alkaline electrolyser
ICLEI		International Council Local Environmental Initiatives
IRU		International Road Transport Union
LowCVP		UK low carbon partnership for cleaner vehicles & fuels
McPhy		Electrolyzers and hydrogen refueling stations
Navigant		Global energy infrastructure management (Guidehouse)
PLAGAZI		Waste management & recycling to hydrogen
RIZBA		Regional Pomeranian Chamber Commerce
RHA Renewable Hydrogen Alliance		Renewable energy to supplant fossil fuels
SGMF 2020 sea change		Society For Gas as a Marine Fuel
Snam		Energy infrastructure and security
Smart Energy		Gold sponsor - Swiss renewable energy investments
Swedish Hydrogen Development Center		Sweden
TechnipFMC		Offshore and subsea production
Total		Energy company
Uniper		International energy company
VATGAS SVERIGE		Hydrogen Sweden
Worley		Energy, chemicals, resources
Zukunft ERDGAS		Natural gas association (not for profit)

All fuel cells have a similar configuration, an electrolyte and two electrodes, but there are different types of fuel cells based mainly on what electrolyte they use.

There are many types of fuel cells, but they all consist of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte that allows ions, often positively charged hydrogen ions (protons), to move between the two sides of the fuel cell. At the anode a catalyst causes the fuel to undergo oxidation reactions that generate ions (often positively charged hydrogen ions) and electrons. The ions move from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte. At the same time, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit, producing direct current electricity. At the cathode, another catalyst causes ions, electrons, and oxygen to react, forming water and possibly other products.

There are six main types of fuel cells:

- PEM (proton exchange membrane),

- DMFC (direct methanol fuel cell),

- MCFC (molton carbonate fuel cell),

- PAFC (phosphoric acid fuel cell),

- SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) and

- AFC (alkaline fuel cell).

The most popular technology is the proton exchange membrane fuel cell due to its versatility, durability, and use for a range of applications.