Proton Motor on Maritime navigation course with Fincantieri and Torqeedo
As a specialist for hydrogen fuel cells and electric hybrid systems, Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH (https://www.proton-motor.de) offers a high-tech product portfolio for zero-emission mobility in the context of an environmentally and climate-friendly transport transition.
For the largest European shipbuilding group, Fincantieri S.p.A., headquartered in Trieste, two fully redundant HyShip® 71 systems were primarily adapted for the power supply of the electric drivetrain and other onboard consumers of the ZEUS ship (Zero Emission Ultimate Ship).
The hydrogen-powered propulsion solution is equipped with two Proton Motor fuel cells HyStack® 400-120, a battery system, and metal hydride hydrogen storage. The clean, green 142kW hybrid arrangement is the main power supply for zero-emission navigation and has so far received all necessary operating approvals such as Harbour Acceptance Test and Sea Acceptance Test. The innovative vessel type based on fuel cell technology is currently ready for departure in the port of Castellamare di Stabia near Naples.
Fuel Cell Prototype for Project “Marine-Hydrogen-Hybrid”
The project with the working title "Ma-Hy-Hy" (Marine-Hydrogen-Hybrid) also contributes decisively to the 100% sustainability of the maritime energy transition in the transport sector. For Torqeedo GmbH (https://www.torqeedo.com), a market leader for electromobility on the water, the prototype of the new H2 drive system kit was finalised for delivery in mid-January 2023.
The project, officially funded by the Bavarian state government, aims to develop a marine high-voltage hybrid drive system with battery capacity in the range of 40 to 160kWh, hydrogen fuel cells, and variable hydrogen storage systems of all sizes.
Similar to the HyShip® product series, the core of the 71kW system consists of two Proton Motor HyStack® 400-120 units with a single output of 35.5kW. The future-oriented drive solution with a zero-carbon footprint is intended for worldwide use in the inland and offshore sector.
By mid-2023, the testing of the functional Ma-Hy-Hy unit in the application configuration at Torqeedo will be validated and documented. After the successful completion of the project, joint sales and marketing activities as well as steps towards industrialisation are planned by both partners.
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 45 No.2 Issue last April 30, 2023.
