PowerCell demonstrates first methanol-to-fuel cell power chain

The test is part of the validation of Maritime Partners LLC’s M/V Hydrogen One inland push boat.

The partners said the successful test result proves the viability of a unique concept that takes methanol fuel and converts it to hydrogen on board ships before using the hydrogen in a fuel cell to generate power cleanly and efficiently. This chain can be multiplied and scaled to megawatt level.

The system is the first of its kind and intended for use in application segments such as tugboats, push boats and superyachts. Hydrogen One will feature a 1.4-MW methanol-to-hydrogen system as the sole power generation source for its propulsion chain.

The string test was performed on land at PowerCell Group’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, which involved assembling the key power-train components and testing them as a system.

The concept unlocks new opportunities for hydrogen-powered vessels by storing the fuel as methanol, which is less complex than using hydrogen. The conversion technology then transforms the methanol into fuel cell-ready hydrogen.  

A methanol hydrogen generator outputs low-pressure hydrogen on demand. This enables a safe installation and a highly integrated system with minimal impact on the overall vessel design. It does not have to be installed on weather decks.

PowerCell Group chief executive Richard Berkling said, “The successful completion of these tests gives future shipowners, integrators and methanol suppliers the confidence they need in this powerful combination of technologies.”

“Fuel cells are some of the most efficient ways to extract energy from fuel, and we are deploying them at a scale never seen before. This can be seen in our project with Torghatten Nord, where we will supply 12.8-MW fuel cells on Norway’s longest ferry route – the largest maritime project to date. This string test demonstrates that whatever the fuel, the new generation of fuel cells is ready to use it.”

e1 Marine managing director Robert Schluter said, “This rigorous test has delivered exciting results thanks to a great deal of collaboration between equipment suppliers, and the results should be a cause for optimism across the industry. This test demonstrates a methanol-to-hydrogen power chain is ready and waiting to deliver renewable power to a range of maritime applications.”

Hydrogen One is expected to operate next year.