Trio sets out to scale 'low temperature' marine fuel cells
Seoul-based Doosan Fuel Cell has partnered with supermajor Shell and Korean Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE) to develop low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for ships.
PHOTO: Model of fuel cell developed by Doosan. Doosan Fuel Cell
Doosan aims to produce SOFCs that run at 620℃, which is nearly 200℃ lower temperature than conventional SOFCs. These kinds of fuell cells rely on extremely high heat to minimise voltage drop across the circuit.
SOFCs can turn chemical energy derived from fuels such as hydrogen and methane into electrical energy.
Doosan eyes certification for the cells by 2024 and plans to commercialise them by 2025.
Under the partnership, Doosan will develop, manufacture, supply and provide maintenance for these SOFCs. Shell will be responsible for ship operation. KSOE, a unit of Hyundai Heavy Industries, will install the SOFCs on vessels, and modify them for use in the marine sector.
The consortium will trial a vessel run on a 600 kilowatt fuel cell for one year on shipping routes to “develop an optimal system,” Doosan says.
Doosan expects SOFCs to be available for maritime use as an alternative source of green energy by 2030.
In January last year, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted in-principle approval to Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering’s SFOC technology.
