Near emissions free operation on board - Germanischer Lloyd engages in fuel cell technology research

Hamburg / Miami, 16 March 2005 – Cruise ships tend to operate in sensitive ecological areas. High environmental standards have to be met. Emissions are restricted by international as well as national and even local regulations. The alternative power supply to diesel engines is the fuel cell technology. It promises a substantial reduction of air pollution. Compared to diesel engines the efficiency of energy production is higher. To explore the advantages of this new technology with regards to cost efficiency, compliance with stricter environmental standards and technical safety for the maritime industry worldwide, Germanischer Lloyd engages in the research and development of fuel cell technology. Fuel cells (FCs) convert chemical energy in a fuel (usually hydrogen gas) directly into electricity in an electrochemical process. The FCs are named after the type of electrolyte separating the anode from the cathode. The PEM fuel cell uses a polymer membrane, the AFC an alkaline (KOH) solution, the SOFC a solid oxide, the PAFC a phosphoric acid immobilised solution and the MCFC molten carbonate salt as electrolyte. This large variety of materials results in highly different operation ranges and system components. Main benefit is the near emissions free operation on board, because the by-product is water. The electricity is produced with higher efficiencies than normal diesel engines. The amount of energy to be produced is the main challenge in commercial application: Current power to be supplied by fuel cells ranges from several hundred kW up to two or five megawatt. Since commercial seagoing ships require a propulsion power from five to more than 50 megawatt, the first market applications in the maritime sector will be for auxiliary power supplies. Technical challenges on board a ship are the safe storage and handling of the yet unconventional fuels. Low volumetric densitiy of hydrogen for example poses specific questions with regard to space saving storage. Marine applications introduce a set of requirements for fuel cell (FC) systems. These reflect the special conditions experienced at sea such as movement due to waves or saline air and the need to be compatible with the conventional power systems on board the vessel. The latter puts certain restraints to the FC system with regard to power quality and dynamics. Further, any installation should be in compliance with current regulations. Germanischer Lloyd participates in several research and demonstration projects. The classification society has developed “Guidelines for FC-Systems on board of ships and boats” which ensure technical safety of fuel cell application. With the introduction of the MARPOL Annex VI regulations and even stricter emission controls, fuel cell technology will turn into a viable energy alternative for passenger ships and cruise vessels. Germanischer Lloyd is represented at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Trade Show in Hall D, Stand 443.

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