BALLARD’S FCwave—THE EMISSION-FREE GENERATOR FOR VESSELS
September 01, 2023
Ballard is headquartered in Canada. Ballard’s Marine Center of Excellence in Hobro, Denmark has developed a system to provide zero-emission power to marine vessels.
How does it Work?
Hydrogen is a fuel that is used to generate electricity. A fuel cell is a power generator on board. Fuel cells produce electricity as long as the fuel is supplied. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined and transformed into electricity by an electrochemical reaction. Then this electricity is used to power propulsion. The hydrogen fuel cell emits only heat and water If the fuel is pure hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles are sensitive to hydrogen cost.
What are the primary power sources for hydrogen?
Hydrogen fuel can be produced from a wide variety of primary power sources, including ocean waves, solar, wind, biomass, nuclear, and fossil fuels. Therefore, hydrogen fuel has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in transportation.
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In 1983, Ballard started working on the development of fuel cells. Ballard Fuel cell-powered electric vehicles claim to have driven over 50 million kilometers.
Fuel cell module for marine applications—the FCwave™
The company’s Marine Center launched high performance fuel cell module for marine applications—the FCwave™, in 2020. One module can generate 200 kW. The FCwave™ fuel cell module is scalable from 200 kW to megawatts, to suit a wide range of marine applications. Ballard provides modular, scalable FCwave™ fuel cell systems for ferries, barges, and cruise ships. The company is actively involved in powering vessels and port-handling equipment.
Key Features
- Customizable power output
- Flexible and modular design
- Use proven components
- Long service life
- Convenient refueling at docks
- Remote monitoring and diagnostics
Ballard says, “The FCwave™ fuel cell module is certified by DNV, and the certified cells will play a key role in the future to address greenhouse gas emissions requirements in ports and on the water”.
More → Ballard fuel cell technology powering FCwave™
