Adapting Fuel Cell Technology for Marine Vessels
64 patents in this list
Updated:
Fuel cells are revolutionizing marine applications by offering a clean, efficient, and sustainable energy solution for the maritime industry. As the demand for environmentally friendly alternatives grows, fuel cells are emerging as a promising technology to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency on ships and other marine vessels.
This article delves into the latest advancements in fuel cell technology for marine applications and their potential to transform the industry. By harnessing hydrogen and other renewable fuels, fuel cells provide a reliable power source while significantly minimizing the environmental impact.
Join us as we explore how fuel cells are paving the way for a greener future in marine transportation, promoting sustainability and innovation in the sector.
1. Dynamic Control System for Optimizing Fuel Cell Operation in Marine Vessels
HD HYUNDAI HEAVY IND CO LTD, HD HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO LTD, HD KOREA SHIPBUILDING & OFFSHORE ENG CO LTD, HD KOREA SHIPBUILDING & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2024
Controlling a ship with multiple fuel cell modules to efficiently meet power demands while maintaining stability. The ship has an integrated controller that detects power requirements and sequentially turns on/off fuel cells based on their characteristics to meet demand. Local controllers then follow the integrated commands to actually operate the cells. This allows optimizing fuel cell usage and preventing issues like long start times.
2. Redundant Fuel Cell Power System for Enhanced Safety in Marine Hydrogen Applications
CHINA MERCHANTS DEEP SEA EQUIPMENT RES INSTITUTE SANYA CO LTD, CHINA MERCHANTS DEEP SEA EQUIPMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD, CHINA MERCHANTS MARINE EQUIPMENT RES INSTITUTE CO LTD, CHINA MERCHANTS MARINE EQUIPMENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD, 2024
A fuel cell power system for ships that enables reliable and safe operation of fuel cells on ships, particularly for hydrogen fueled fuel cells. The system uses redundant fuel cell modules and hydrogen storage on different decks of the ship. This allows separating the hydrogen storage from the fuel cell cabin, reducing risks of hydrogen leaks and fires. The hydrogen storage is on an upper deck and the fuel cell cabin is on a lower deck. The hydrogen is piped between the decks to the fuel cell. This prevents hydrogen accumulation and potential explosions in the fuel cell cabin. The system also uses parallel fuel cell modules for redundancy.
3. Hydrogen Fuel Cell System for Enhanced Electric Propulsion in Leisure Boats
주식회사 펭귄오션레저, 2024
A hydrogen fuel cell-based electric leisure boat that enables long-duration, long-distance water navigation while reducing battery degradation and fire risks. The boat has a hydrogen fuel cell system that generates electricity to power the electric motor propulsion. Additional battery packs store excess fuel cell power. A control system selects between fuel cell and battery supply based on occupant choice. This allows extended water operation compared to just batteries. The fuel cell prevents battery degradation from prolonged submerged use, and avoids battery fires in marine environments.
4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propulsion System for Zero-Emission Marine Vessels
SHANDONG UNIV OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2024
A ship propulsion system that uses hydrogen fuel for zero emissions and high integration compared to dual fuel systems. The system has a single motor, propeller, hydrogen fuel cell, internal combustion engine, battery, and storage tank. It allows selective operation of the fuel cell, engine, and battery through controllers. This provides versatility for different speeds and load conditions. It enables using hydrogen as the only fuel source for the propulsion system.
5. Hybrid Power System for Unmanned Marine Vessels Utilizing Methanol Fuel Cells and Diesel Engines
GUANGXI YUCHAI MACHINERY CO LTD, 2024
Multi-power unmanned ship system that uses a combination of a methanol fuel cell and a methanol diesel engine for improved endurance and environmental friendliness compared to traditional power sources. The system intelligently switches between the two power sources based on factors like environment conditions, path optimization, and battery charging efficiency to maximize sailing time and adaptability.
6. Hybrid Electric Propulsion System for Ships Utilizing Direct Methanol Fuel Cells and Lithium Batteries
JIANGSU MODERN SHIPBUILDING TECH LTD, JIANGSU MODERN SHIPBUILDING TECHNOLOGY LTD, 2024
Hybrid electric propulsion system for ships using direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and lithium batteries. The system has separate compartments for the DMFC, lithium battery pack, and isolation cabin. This allows using the DMFC for primary power generation, with the lithium batteries providing backup and smoothing. The compartment arrangement improves safety by containing the toxic and flammable methanol fuel. It also reduces motor vibration and improves stability by leveraging both fuel cell and battery power sources.
7. Integrated Dual Fuel System for Enhanced Efficiency in Marine Fuel Cells
SHANGHAI MARITIME UNIVERSITY, SHANGHAI OCEAN UNIVERSITY, UNIV SHANGHAI MARITIME, UNIV SHANGHAI OCEAN, 2024
Dual fuel integrated system for marine vessels that combines a reversible fuel cell with a marine diesel generator set to enable energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and load matching for marine vessels. The system uses the waste heat from the diesel engine to generate hydrogen and oxygen for the fuel cell. The fuel cell can then produce electricity and water as output. This allows the diesel engine and fuel cell to complement each other and provide optimal power and efficiency based on the vessel's load requirements. The system also has a heat exchanger to recover additional heat from the diesel exhaust.
8. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Based Electric Propulsion System for Marine Vessels
MBC - MARITIME BUSINESS & CONSULTING UG & CO KG, MBC MARITIME BUSINESS & CONSULTING UG HAFTUNGSBESCHRANKT & CO KG, 2023
Electric propulsion system for ships that nearly eliminates exhaust emissions compared to traditional diesel engines. The system uses a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power plant instead of diesel engines to generate ship propulsion power. Electric motors drive the propellers instead of diesel engines. The SOFC fuel cell replaces the diesel generator as well. Batteries provide energy storage to compensate for load variations. The onboard electrical system has AC, DC or a mix.
9. Compact Steam Reforming System for Offshore Hydrogen Production in Marine Environments
TOPSOE AS, 2023
Compact steam reforming system for offshore hydrogen production that can be used on vessels and platforms in harsh marine environments. The system has a structured catalyst inside a pressure vessel. The catalyst has an electrically conductive macroscopic structure supporting the catalytically active material. This allows controlled reaction front movement. The catalyst is heated by passing current through the structure. The product gas extracts heat from the inner tube to further heat the feed gas. This provides compact, resilient reforming with improved performance in offshore applications.
10. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power Generation System for Safe Marine Propulsion
ANHUI TOMORROW NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD, ANHUI TOMORROW NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
A marine hydrogen fuel cell power generation system for ships that provides stable power for ship propulsion. The system is divided into a hydrogen fuel cell module and cabin accessories. The fuel cell module has a sealed negative pressure hydrogen area to mitigate hydrogen safety risks. It uses forced mechanical ventilation to circulate hydrogen inside. The ventilation system has sensors to monitor hydrogen concentration. The module also has subsystems for air supply, water management, electrical power, ventilation, and exhaust.
11. Biodegradable and Damage-Responsive Housing for Long-Term Marine Fuel Cells
Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2023
Metal seawater fuel cell that can be stored and used in a marine environment for long periods without degradation. The fuel cell has a protective housing around the anode that degrades or can be mechanically damaged in the marine environment. This allows the anode to be exposed to seawater for fueling the cell. The housing is made of a biodegradable material that dissolves in seawater over time or an elastic material that peels off when punctured. This prevents the anode from corroding in the marine environment when stored for extended periods. The fuel cell also has a transitional housing that protects the anode during transportation and deployment. When the cell is ready to use, the transitional housing is destroyed or peels off to expose the anode for seawater fueling.
12. Hydrogen-Natural Gas Hybrid Fuel System for Reduced Emissions in Marine Applications
BLOOM ENERGY CORP, 2023
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships by using hydrogen and natural gas hybrid fuels in marine applications. The method involves supplying hydrogen or a hydrogen-natural gas mixture to a ship's generator and using the generator's power to drive the ship's electrical loads. This allows lowering carbon emissions compared to using diesel fuel alone. The hydrogen can be produced onboard using renewable energy sources like wind or solar. The hybrid fuel enables ships to meet stricter emissions targets like IMO's 40% reduction by 2030.
13. Intelligent Power Management System for Hybrid Marine Fuel Cells and Batteries
주식회사 빈센, 2023
Power management system for hybrid ships that optimizes fuel efficiency by intelligently switching between battery and fuel cell power sources. The system initially runs the ship's motor only on battery power until the fuel cell's output is reached. Once the fuel cell starts, it provides full power to the motor. If the motor load drops below fuel cell output, the battery charges. If the motor load exceeds fuel cell output, both sources are used. If the motor load stays below fuel cell output for extended periods, the fuel cell output is reduced. This ensures efficient fuel cell utilization while avoiding battery drain.
14. Hydrogen-Air Fuel Cell System for Enhanced Safety and Performance in Underwater Vehicles
HARBIN ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY, UNIV HARBIN ENG, 2023
Underwater fuel cell power system using hydrogen-air fuel cells instead of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells to improve safety, reliability, and cost for underwater vehicles. The system involves manually creating an air atmosphere in the sealed container by mixing nitrogen and oxygen, rather than using pure oxygen. This prevents issues with oxidation, flooding, and degradation of the fuel cell membrane that occur when using pure oxygen. The oxygen concentration, humidity, and temperature in the container are controlled to optimize fuel cell performance. The hydrogen gas is recirculated between the fuel cells and container to prevent excessive hydrogen buildup. The system also has cooling, dehumidification, and hydrogen monitoring to manage the closed environment.
15. Sealed Chamber Fuel Cell System for Efficient Marine Power Generation in Submarines
대우조선해양 주식회사, 2023
In-ship fuel cell system that allows efficient operation and space utilization in submarines. The system involves supplying oxygen and hydrogen to the fuel cell inside a sealed chamber without using a separate blower. The sealed chamber contains the fuel cell, gas supply, gas-liquid separator, and a third gas storage tank. This enables generating fuel cell power inside the sealed chamber using onboard oxygen and hydrogen without external blowers. The system also monitors the third gas level and adds stored third gas if needed. This avoids using the main chamber's oxygen for fuel cell operation. Separating the fuel cell and living spaces inside the sealed chamber allows more efficient use of the ship's internal volume.
16. Explosive Containment Design for Fuel Cell Ships with Isolated Battery Compartment
YANMAR HOLDINGS CO LTD, 2022
Fuel cell ship design to minimize damage if the battery explodes. The ship has a separate battery compartment below the deck and above the hull, isolated from the fuel cell. This contains a backup battery that powers the propulsion. If the fuel cell battery explodes, it's contained in the fuel cell compartment and can't spread to the rest of the ship. The backup battery in the separate compartment can still provide propulsion.
17. Redundant Fuel Cell Design for Enhanced Reliability in Marine Vessels
YANMAR HOLDINGS CO LTD, 2022
Fuel cell ship design with multiple fuel cells to prevent stranding if one fails. The ship has a plurality of fuel cells to generate power for propulsion. If the output of one fuel cell falls below a threshold, it is shut down to prevent further deterioration. This adjusts the deterioration rate and brings the estimated replacement time closer to the scheduled maintenance time. This allows matching replacement timing with docking instead of at sea.
18. Cascade Fuel Cell System for Enhanced Efficiency in Marine Applications
KOREA SHIPBUILDING & OFFSHORE ENG CO LTD, KOREA SHIPBUILDING & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING CO LTD, 2022
Cascade fuel cell system for ships that improves efficiency and reduces fuel consumption compared to a single fuel cell. The system has a front-end fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen and air, and a rear-end fuel cell that uses exhaust gases from the front-end cell to generate more electricity. During ship operation, both cells supply electricity to the ship. When anchored, the rear-end cell uses exhaust gases to avoid wasting hydrogen. This allows flexible fuel usage based on ship conditions to optimize efficiency and minimize fuel consumption.
19. Integrated Hull Design for Lightweight and Cost-Effective Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ships
TAJIMA MOTOR CORP CO LTD, TAJIMA MOTOR CORPORATION CO LTD, 2022
Ship design to improve performance of hydrogen fuel cell ships while reducing weight, cost, and complexity compared to traditional hydrogen fuel cell ships. The design involves integrating the hydrogen tanks into the hull structure of the ship, either as the main hull or as a part of the hull. This eliminates the need for separate, heavy, and costly hydrogen tanks and piping. The ship can be a displacement ship or a hydrofoil ship by coupling a hydrofoil to the tanks, or an air cushion ship by adding an airtight wall to the tanks. This allows combining the benefits of different ship types while leveraging the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells.
20. Modular Fuel Cell Design for Zero-Emission Marine Vessels with Onboard Hydrogen Reforming
한국조선해양 주식회사, 현대중공업 주식회사, 2022
A ship design with onboard fuel cells to enable zero-emission operation. The ship has a fuel cell unit with multiple removable fuel cell modules that can be easily swapped out. The fuel cell modules are mounted on rails for easy removal and replacement. The ship also has a system to reform the stored liquefied hydrogen into fuel for the fuel cells. This allows using the onboard hydrogen cargo directly as fuel for the fuel cells, minimizing waste and simplifying fuel supply. The ship can store excess electricity generated by the fuel cells in an energy storage device. This enables efficient operation by using the fuel cells for base load power and the storage for peak demand.
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