What role will hydrogen fuel cells play in the sustainable yacht designs of the future? Could this zero-emission, silent, and highly efficient technology revolutionize yachting?
Co-Founder of Norse Design Ilgaz Karadayı, In his column, he discusses the advantages of hydrogen in the yacht industry, the challenges encountered, and how it could bring about change in the future:
Hydrogen fuel cell technology is one of the innovative and sustainable renewable alternative fuel systems being researched and developed to power the propulsion systems of boats and yachts with zero emissions, even though it is not yet widely discussed in the yacht industry. Although there are many obstacles to its widespread use today, as the technology advances and investments in this field increase, hydrogen fuel cell technology will be talked about more in the future. Let's take a closer look at how it is applied and its benefits and challenges in the yacht industry, from the perspective of both manufacturers and boat owners.
How Do Hydrogen Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogenIt generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction in which it combines with oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat as byproducts. This process is completely emission-free, as the only waste produced is pure water vapor from the exhaust.
Fuel cells can be used as the primary energy source in boats or can work in conjunction with battery systems, which we refer to as hybrid designs, enabling uninterrupted propulsion and control of the vessel. In a hybrid design, the energy obtained from fuel cells using hydrogen manages essential loads such as the propulsion system, while the energy obtained from solar panels and/or alternators and stored in batteries provides an additional energy source for other demands.
Hydrogen It can be stored in liquid or gaseous form. However, storing it in gaseous form is not a very suitable solution for yachts. Liquid hydrogen is stored in extremely safe and insulated tanks designed to fit the yacht's infrastructure. However, Hydrogen, Since it liquefies at -252.77 °C under 1 atm pressure, cooling systems are essential for storing it in liquid form. The volume of liquid hydrogen is only 1/700th of its volume in gaseous form. Hydrogen It has the highest energy content per unit mass among all known fuels. 1 kg of hydrogen has the same energy as 2.1 kg of natural gas or 2.8 kg of petroleum.
Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Yachts
– Zero Emissions: Hydrogen fuel The cells do not produce harmful pollutants and reduce the yacht's environmental footprint. This is particularly important for protecting the open sea environments where yachts are frequently used for tourism.
– Quiet Operation: Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, fuel cells are silent, enhancing comfort on boats for a more enjoyable experience and reducing noise pollution in sensitive marine habitats.
– Extended Range and Performance: Hydrogen fuel Yachts equipped with fuel cell technology can potentially achieve longer cruising ranges than fully electric yachts, as hydrogen fuel cells offer higher energy density than batteries.
– Reduced Fuel Dependency: Hydrogen Its use reduces dependence on traditional fossil fuels and offers a cleaner alternative with renewable energy potential, as hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources (such as electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy).
Disadvantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Yachts
– Hydrogen Storage and Safety: Hydrogen Since it will turn into a gas below a certain temperature, cooling systems and the backup of these systems are important. Hydrogen Since it is an odorless and colorless gas, leaks are difficult to detect and it is flammable. For this reason, it poses a greater risk than other fuel systems in terms of safety at sea.
– Fuel Supply Infrastructure: Hydrogen fuel Refueling stations are limited worldwide. Today, they can only be found in certain ports serving cargo ships operating on specific routes. It is currently not possible to obtain supplies at marinas.
– Cost: Fuel cell technology can be costly, especially with specialized hydrogen storage and safety features. Although prices gradually decrease as the technology matures, the initial investment remains high compared to traditional systems. Additionally, it is particularly environmentally friendly, being completely harmless to the environment. hydrogen Since production is very costly, unit fuel consumption costs can be burdensome for end users.
– Technological Maturity: While hydrogen fuel cells are becoming increasingly common in automotive production, marine applications are still in the development phase. In particular, their certification according to international classification rules is still a matter of debate today.
The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Yacht Construction
Hydrogen fuel Cells hold promising potential for larger yachts, which have more space to safely store fuel and where hydrogen's high energy density becomes advantageous for longer travel distances. As infrastructure and hydrogen production from renewable sources improve, this technology could become widely adopted in yacht construction.
In summary, today hydrogen offers a zero-emission, sustainable, long-range power option for boats, but this requires overcoming infrastructure and safety challenges. As the technology and related infrastructure develop, hydrogen fuel Cells can become a fundamental element in environmentally conscious yacht designs.
Ilgaz KARADAYI
(Co-Founder and CEO of Norse Design)
English