Marine Solution for PEM Fuel Cells in AC or DC Grid

Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising source of energy in shipping, due to its zero carbon and zero pollution operation. This article is focused on the use of PEM fuel cells, which are currently the most common in maritime sector. The often use of PEM fuel cells is also because of international and regional regulations, which require significant reduction of emissions. Operation of PEM fuel cells onboard vessel brings potential risk, however when safety countermeasures are ensured PEM fuel cells are safe to use as well as any other power sources. Vessels are typically equipped with either AC grid or DC grid. Both has different benefits, which are useful in certain applications. Due to that, PEM fuel cells must be able to be integrated into AC and DC grid. Individual examples of integration and their requirements are described in this article.

I. Introduction

For many decades, the vast majority of ships in the world’s oceans have been powered by fossil fuels, mostly oil-based fuels for example diesel and fuel oil. The operation of ships that are powered by fossil fuels produce emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. Currently, marine sector is forced to manufacture vessels, which produce lower emissions due to stricter regulations.