SEA-KIT International, a designer and builder of uncrewed surface vessels (USV), will install a PCB-based hydrogen fuel cell on its 12-m USV Maxlimer
The company is aiming to demonstrate a successful diesel-to-hydrogen conversion on one of its existing USVs.
“SEA-KIT USVs have a dual diesel-electric hybrid drive, with propulsion coming from an electric motor powered by battery banks that are charged by in-situ diesel generators. This project will replace one of the diesel generators with new hydrogen fuel-cell technology from Bramble Energy and demonstrate an offshore operation with zero carbon emissions” said SEA-KIT chief executive Ben Simpson.
The fuel cell is engineered by West Sussex-based project partner Bramble Energy. The company will design and manufacture a marinised, customised version of its printed circuit board (PCB) fuel cell.
PCBs are better suited to rugged, marine environments than metallic or graphite end plates. The Bramble PCB fuel cell system will sit inside an enclosure within the USV to prevent sea water ingress and corrosion.
USV Maxlimer will be retrofitted with the hydrogen fuel system and data gathered from bench testing and sea trials will be utilised for the design and build of similar USVs, as well as for larger uncrewed vessel builds in the near future.
Funding for the retrofit was secured through a grant from Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) – a project funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and InnovateUK
Innovate UK deputy executive chair and chief business officer Simon Edmonds said “As the UK prepares to host COP26 in the maritime city of Glasgow, it is great that we can announce funding for these fantastic projects in the maritime sector that will help the UK meet its net-zero goals. From this competition we saw a very high level of demand, we have seen the very best of British ideas from all over the country. It is clear that not only does the UK have a great maritime history, but also a bright and greener future too.”
The CMDC projects represent the first major investment from DfT specifically aimed at driving innovation within the maritime industry.
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