Company insight
Marinised high-power fuel cells
Netherlands-based company Nedstack, a leading manufacturer in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, is working with GE Power Conversion to develop hydrogen fuel cell power installations for marine vessels.
uel cell power installations eliminate vessel exhaust gasses and, by extension, prevent harmful pollutants entering our ecosystem. Nedstack and GE Power Conversion are working together to develop a range of highly efficient fuel cell solutions, enabling a zero-emission cruise industry. This partnership brings together GE’s recognised expertise in electrical power and propulsion solutions and Nedstack’s experience in megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cell technology.
F Market developments
Despite the disruption caused by Covid- 19, GE Power Conversion and Nedstack are committed creating an efficient zero- emission fuel cell system for cruise and commercial shipping.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, there has been increased interest in sustainable technology. Nedstack strives to support these renewed green ambitions and is seeking to develop solutions to make the maritime industry more environmentally friendly. In early 2020 Nedstack worked with the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN) to test ship motions on a 40kW fuel cell system. Later that year the first 100kW unit was delivered to a major player in the cruise industry to test the readiness of proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems.
While these systems with low power ratings are not directly representative of the cruise industry’s energy requirements, these processes are the first stepping stones to testing their feasibility in a maritime environment.
Creating the first zero-emission marine power system
Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity, heat and pure water. With hydrogen produced by renewables, the total wake- to-well energy consumption can be
With 20 years of fuel cell excellence, Nedstack has established a leading position in the market for mission-critical high-power PEM fuel cell applications.
emission-free. As a result, these fuel cells are an ideal solution for zero- emission shipping. GE and Nedstack’s ultimate goal is to create a completely zero-emission marine power system that can be used to develop the world’s first sustainable, clean energy cruise vessels. GE Power Conversion’s variable speed drive technology manages the power generated to supply electricity for propulsion and on-board systems. The variable speed drive technology, fuel cell power installation architecture and dedicated power management system (PMS) are designed to limit the fuel cell’s switch-on and switch-off frequency when sailing and/or in ports. The benefits of this development include: ■ ■ ■
fuel cell life extension improved control and efficiency
direct management of electricity produced by the marine hydrogen fuel cell power installation.
World Cruise Industry Review /
www.worldcruiseindustryreview.com
Opportunities and call to action New opportunities continue to emerge for hydrogen applications in marine and port areas. Where land-based mobility alternatives suffer strong competition from conventional battery solutions, the maritime industry requires both high power and long endurance at sea. The combination of hydrogen and PEM fuel cells as a means of power conversion is a major step in the transition to zero-emission shipping. What’s more, it does not compromise significantly on range, endurance at sea or vessel turnaround times. Nedstack has always focused on mission-critical and high-power applications for reliable and long-lifetime systems, ease of maintenance and a modular fuel cell stack. This approach enables clients to easily perform on-board service and maintenance checks. ●
www.nedstack.com 39
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