With methanol is brought to a technological readyness level so that it can be integrated into a demonstrator ship. The focus is to further develop the marine methanol fuel cell generator system (MFCS), developed in RiverCell2 and to develop and test a new generation of larger fuel cell modules with a novel membrane technology. System modelling for power management systems is also part of the project.
At the end of the project, the potential of the fuel cell-based hybrid concept for safe, economical and emission-minimized operation of river cruise ships with methanol should be further tested and demonstrated using simulation. Optimized solutions for the design and control of hybrid energy systems and the safe ship integration of methanol are also expected. The first model-based tools will be available as a validated basis for further investigations and for a successful transfer of the concept to other inland waterway vessels.
„The maritime industry needs to find new ways to reduce all its emissions. Not only in the long run, but starting immediately, the shipping industry needs to deploy sustainable technologies and in particular speed up the change to renewable fuel sources. By RiverCell, we have demonstrated how fuel cell technology can be a safe, clean and efficient alternative to today’s diesel gensets in marine use. We have also been able to demonstrate how hydrogen for fuel cells, in the form of methanol, can be safely and efficiently stored on ships. At Meyer Werft, we are happy to pioneer alongside our partners with our demonstrations of fuel cell technology, both to gain a competitive edge but also to influence global standards, paving the way for this sustainable alternative.“
- RiverCell Project Manager, Ragnar Christenson (Meyer Werft)
The project is funded by the "Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Programme" of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV).
Project partner:
- MEYER NEPTUN Engineering GmbH (MNE)
- ADVENT Technology A/S
- Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
- Lloyd's Register EMEA Branch Office Germany
- Wismar University of Applied Sciences, Department of Maritime, Plant Engineering and Logistics
