One onboard compressed hydrogen fuel-cell system has received approval in principle (AiP), while another hydrogen-electric system demonstrated emissions-free power production at a Swedish port
Norwegian technology developer TECO 2030’s compressed hydrogen fuel-cell systems have received an AiP from classification society DNV for viability and safety across all ship types.
TECO 2030 said DNV’s AiP "comes with no showstopper conditions, affirming the viability and safety of TECO 2030’s compressed hydrogen fuel system design. These systems are designed to be applicable for all ship types and encompass essential components such as the bunkering system, inerted tank connection space, fuel storage hold space, fuel supply system (including pressure control), and gas relief system".
Before building or installing the systems on board any vessels, TECO 2030 said it will provide a complete set of documentation tailored to each particular ship, with review and approval by DNV following established classification procedures.
"We are delighted to receive this additional AiP from DNV for our compressed hydrogen fuel systems," TECO 2030 chief executive Tore Enger said.
In Sweden, PowerCell Group has collaborated with Hitachi Energy, the port of Gothenburg, Skanska, Volvo Group and Linde Gas on the demonstration of a "flexible hydrogen-electric solution that produces emissions-free power".
The project offers potential utilisation of the technology for shore power requirements for maritime vessels.
The product, called HyFlex, is a containerised system that uses a 100-kW hydrogen fuel cell from PowerCell in combination with batteries to generate power independently of the grid without emitting greenhouse gases when using green hydrogen.
During a demonstration from 4-17 March at the Port of Gothenburg, the HyFlex demonstration system provided power to an electric excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment. Linde Gas, the world’s largest industrial gas company, provided green hydrogen for the production.
Port of Gothenburg innovation manager Viktor Allgurén said, “A port is in many ways the perfect place for the use of hydrogen. In a diverse and energy-intensive operation like the Port of Gothenburg, hydrogen has many applications (beyond what we have seen today). For example, as fuel for trucks, locomotives or handling equipment in the port, as well as for ship propulsion, or to support the power grid when a ship is connected to shore power. The use of hydrogen fits perfectly into the port context.”
PowerCell Group chief executive Richard Berkling said, “This demonstrator has been set up with construction sites in mind, but we also see the need for emissions-free applications in maritime and port electrification, such as sustainable power production for shore power to ships."
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