Marine applications of fuel cells: A multi-agency research program

Abstract

Recent advances in fuel cells, especially commercial transportation and land-based electric power generation, make them attractive alternatives to conventional shipboard power sources. Simply stated a fuel cell operates likes a battery. It is a device that supplies electricity (DC) by combining hydrogen and oxygen electrochemically without combustion. Unlike a battery it does not run down or require recharging and will produce electricity heat and water as long as fuel is supplied. Fuel cells are more efficient than diesel engines or gas turbines and may use significantly less fuel, with virtually no pollution. They are simple with no moving parts except for the balance-of-plant equipment associated with fuel management. As a result manning may be minimized. The challenge of marinizing and militarizing fuel cells is a daunting one. This paper will review the current status of marine studies and describe their importance. A recently formed multi-federal agency work group has been coordinating marine fuel cell research and its goals and plans will be discussed.