TY - JOUR
T1 - Hydrogen carriers for zero-emission ship propulsion using PEM fuel cells
T2 - an evaluation
AU - Van Rheenen, E. S.
AU - Padding, J. T.
AU - Slootweg, J. C.
AU - Visser, K.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - Green hydrogen combined with PEM fuel cell systems is a viable option to meet the demand for alternative maritime fuels. However, hydrogen storage faces challenges, including low volumetric density, fire and explosion risks and transport challenges. We assessed over fifteen hydrogen carriers based on their maritime performance characteristics to determine their suitability for shipboard use. Evaluation criteria included energy density, locally zero-emission, circularity of process, safety, dehydrogenation process, logistic availability and handling. Thus, excluding ammonia and methanol because of these constraints, we found that borohydrides, liquid organic hydrogen carriers and ammoniaborane are the most promising hydrogen carriers to use on ships with PEM fuel cells. Borohydrides, specifically sodium borohydride, have high energy densities but face regeneration issues. The liquid organic hydrogen carrier dibenzyltoluene has a lower energy density but exhibits easy hydrogenation and good handling. Given varying operational demands, we developed a framework to assess the suitability of hydrogen carriers for use in different ship categories. Evaluating the three types of hydrogen carriers, using our framework and considering current practices, shows that these are viable options for almost all ship types. Thus, we have identified three types of hydrogen carriers, which should be the focus of future research.
AB - Green hydrogen combined with PEM fuel cell systems is a viable option to meet the demand for alternative maritime fuels. However, hydrogen storage faces challenges, including low volumetric density, fire and explosion risks and transport challenges. We assessed over fifteen hydrogen carriers based on their maritime performance characteristics to determine their suitability for shipboard use. Evaluation criteria included energy density, locally zero-emission, circularity of process, safety, dehydrogenation process, logistic availability and handling. Thus, excluding ammonia and methanol because of these constraints, we found that borohydrides, liquid organic hydrogen carriers and ammoniaborane are the most promising hydrogen carriers to use on ships with PEM fuel cells. Borohydrides, specifically sodium borohydride, have high energy densities but face regeneration issues. The liquid organic hydrogen carrier dibenzyltoluene has a lower energy density but exhibits easy hydrogenation and good handling. Given varying operational demands, we developed a framework to assess the suitability of hydrogen carriers for use in different ship categories. Evaluating the three types of hydrogen carriers, using our framework and considering current practices, shows that these are viable options for almost all ship types. Thus, we have identified three types of hydrogen carriers, which should be the focus of future research.
KW - alternative fuels
KW - Hydrogen
KW - hydrogen carriers
KW - liquid hydrogen carriers
KW - maritime transportation
KW - solid hydrogen carriers
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85176966476&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/20464177.2023.2282691
DO - 10.1080/20464177.2023.2282691
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85176966476
SN - 2046-4177
JO - Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology
JF - Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology
ER -