A review of the potential of hydrogen carriers for zero emission, low signature ship propulsion systems

Increasing pressure on the reduction or elimination of the use of fossil fuels in shipping requires the application of new maritime fuel alternatives. Green and circular produced hydrogen as a maritime fuel in fuel cell systems offers a great solution for these concerns. A fuel cell system has a zero emission performance, solid state silent process cycle, graceful degradation and no single point of failure. From a naval perspective, these characteristics very much support operational requirements like a silent propulsion and very low thermal and acoustic signatures as well as the possibility of an air independent system. Storage of hydrogen, however, is an issue. Traditional hydrogen storage in gas or liquefied aggregation has low volumetric density, low flame point, fire and explosion risks and transport challenges. The aim of this literature review is to investigate several hydrogen carriers and evaluate their characteristics on maritime and naval performance. This includes their volumetric and gravimetric density, dehydrogenation process, safety, logistic availability and handling. Over 15 different (types of) hydrogen carriers have been researched. Borohydrides, specifically sodium borohydride appeared to have several advantages, but still has issues with its hydrogenation process and handling due to it being a solid. The liquid organic hydrogen carrier dibenzyl toluene, on the other hand, does not meet the required energy density, but does have favourable additional properties, such as easy hydrogenation and good handling. Both of these are also subject of current research and development: For example, Hydrogenious LOHC Maritime AS, in combination with �stensj? Rederi, is working on a megawatt application for maritime, which should be finished in 2025. The Dutch government funds the SH2IPDRIVE project and the European Interreg North West Europe organization funds the H2SHIPS research project to analyse the shipboard use of these hydrogen carriers and to establish the design and engineering optimization opportunities.