TECO 2030's compressed hydrogen fuel system gets DNV nod

DNV has granted an approval in principle for a compressed hydrogen fuel system designed by Norwegian renewable tech firm TECO 2030.

PHOTO: Illustration of TECO 2030's compressed hydrogen fuel system connected to hydrogen tank. TECO 2030

The modular system is composed of TECO 2030's proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Its PEM fuel cells can be powered by compressed or liquid hydrogen or hydrogen derived from hydrogen carriers such as ammonia and methanol, according to TECO 2030.

The system can be retrofitted as a primary or auxiliary power source on all types of ships.

It is equipped with a “bunkering system, inerted tank connection space, fuel storage hold space, fuel supply system (including pressure control), and gas relief system,” it explained.

DNV’s approval “underscores the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy" fuel that can help decarbonise the shipping sector, TECO 2030 wrote.

Hydrogen’s potential beyond short-sea shipping

While hydrogen is an attractive option for decarbonising smaller vessels, it is not considered adequate for powering large ocean-going vessels. This is because currently deployed PEM fuel cells have limited potential for powering large ocean-going vessels.

PEM fuel cells require a constant supply of hydrogen to generate power, increasing hydrogen consumption on larger vessels that travel long distances. The high cost and challenges associated with storing large quantities of hydrogen on board make PEM fuel cells expensive and impractical for long-distance voyages.

Larger vessels will necessitate high-efficiency fuel cells for longer voyages, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Since SOFC technology in marine applications is still in its nascent stages, it may take some time before ocean-going vessels can fully transition to hydrogen propulsion.

By Konica Bhatt

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