H2SITE gets LR nod for onboard ammonia cracking technology
Spanish energy equipment maker H2SITE has received classification society Lloyd's Register’s (LR) approval for its onboard ammonia cracking technology.
PHOTO: H2SITE’s technical director Jose Medrano (left) and LR’s chief operating officer Mark Darley (right) at the approval award ceremony. LR
The technology comprises an onboard containerized cracking system that generates fuel-cell-quality hydrogen from ammonia. The hydrogen produced using this system can power a vessel's fuel cells to generate auxiliary electricity, or it can be directly burned by engines compatible with hydrogen for propulsion.
Fuel-cell-quality Hydrogen refers to hydrogen that meets the purity and quality requirements necessary for efficient and reliable operation in fuel cells.
This system utilizes H2SITE's hydrogen-selective membranes, which address the thermodynamic constraints of the ammonia cracking process by continuously recovering hydrogen. This approach leads to nearly complete conversion of ammonia and higher efficiency at lower temperatures, ultimately reducing energy consumption and emissions, LR claims.
LR’s approval of H2SITE's on-board ammonia cracking technology comes following stringent evaluation, risk assessment and compliance with LR’s rules for ships using gases.
Last November, H2SITE demonstrated its technology for converting ammonia to hydrogen during an operational test on workboat operator Zumaia Offshore's supply vessel Bertha B. This validated the technology's performance in real offshore environments.
The system will be integrated into both propulsion systems and auxiliary power units, catering to various types of vessels, including offshore platforms, tankers, and gas carriers.
The system “represents an exciting opportunity for shipowners to convert ammonia, and other feedstocks such as methanol, to hydrogen onboard their vessels without using additional gas separation technology,” LR’s chief operating officer Mark Darley said.
By Tuhin Roy
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