Extending the range of zero-emission operations for near shore and short sea vessels with marine fuel cell systems.
Vessels that recharge often or have enough energy storage capacity can operate at zero-emission levels on batteries alone. Unfortunately, for many vessels this is not the case. However, other near shore and short sea vessels can achieve zero-emission operations by using battery energy storage and marine fuel cell systems together with green fuels.
Using marine fuel cells, battery technology and green fuels together is an important part of the energy transition to reduce shipping emissions. With this combination, vessels can maintain zero-emission operations for longer without refueling or recharging.
Navigating emissions-restricted zones
Fuel cells convert chemical energy from a fuel, such as a hydrogen or ammonia, into electricity through a chemical process. When green hydrogen is used, water is the only system exhaust. The result is an efficient and environmentally friendly power source, ideal for operations in emissions-restricted ports, harbors and zones.
Partners in power, batteries and fuel cells are best friends.
Batteries handle load variations perfectly. In contrast, fuel cells perform best at stable load conditions. Together, they are ideal partners to optimize energy efficiency and reduce emissions. As the leading global supplier of marine battery energy storage systems and provider of zero-emission solutions, developing marine fuel cell systems was a natural next step for Corvus.
Developing the Corvus Pelican hydrogen fuel cell system
The Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System was developed as part of the H2NOR project, a three-year joint collaboration between Corvus Energy, Toyota and other partners. H2NOR was established to fast-track the development and production of safe and scalable marine hydrogen fuel cell systems. The result is the Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System.
The Corvus Pelican features world-leading fuel cell technology from Toyota and a design tailored to stringent maritime standards. Inherently gas safe, the design significantly reduces the requirements of support systems for safety and ventilation. The Corvus Pelican is commercially available for delivery from 2024.
Corvus CoPilot: optimizing power distribution between battery and fuel cell systems
Corvus Energy is developing CoPilot, a real-time advice system to optimize load distribution between the battery energy storage and fuel cell systems. Maintaining optimal power distribution supports operational efficiency, improved energy efficiency, and extended system lifetime. Additionally, CoPilot simplifies the process of operating a hybrid power system by reducing the system control parameters exposed to the crew.
Inherently gas safe marine fuel cell system design
Inherently gas safe design features used in Corvus Energy marine fuel cell solutions significantly reduce the requirements of support systems for safety and ventilation. It also means that surrounding machinery space can be considered gas safe under all conditions. Watch the video below to learn more.
