The maritime sector, characterized by its reliance on conventional fossil fuels, is undergoing a decarbonization process towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This thesis investigates the potential utilization of fuel cells as alternative energy power systems for maritime applications, with a particular emphasis on both low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). The study begins with a comprehensive review of the current composition of power energy systems in the maritime field, analysing existing propulsion systems and their environmental impact. To complete this first part, the software HELM (developed by the Thermochemical Power Group) was adopted to carry out a multicriteria analysis on few case studies to have a better understanding on the range of applicability of these innovative technologies. The work includes the simulation of the fuel cells system through numerical models to evaluates the feasibility, advantages, and challenges associated with integrating PEMFC and SOFC systems into maritime vessels. Special attention is given to the study of pressurization of both PEMFC and SOFC systems. The performance of the system increases but the complexity of the BoP, the costs and the volumes and weights are influenced negatively. The pressurization is achieved for both cases, hybridizing the fuel cell with a turbocharger. The PEMFC-TC system was analysed using the commercial software GT-Power while the SOFC was investigated with the use of TRANSEO which relies on MATLAB-Simulink. The actual state of art for SOFC provides for the use of methane that is converted with a reforming process into hydrogen but in the recent years other hydrocarbons or hydrogen carriers are considered as alternative fuels. The last chapter of this thesis explores the potential of utilizing innovative fuels such as ammonia in SOFC systems. The feasibility and advantages of using ammonia as a fuel source are examined, considering its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions relying on the fact that its production is widely diffused. Overall, this thesis contributes to the research on alternative systems that will be part of the energy mix of the next years to reach the emissions limits imposed by regulations for a more sustainable maritime transportation by offering a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with fuel cell technologies in this field.
Influence of pressurization for fuel cell systems fed with alternative fuels for maritime applications.
IESTER, FEDERICO
2024-06-03
Abstract
The maritime sector, characterized by its reliance on conventional fossil fuels, is undergoing a decarbonization process towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This thesis investigates the potential utilization of fuel cells as alternative energy power systems for maritime applications, with a particular emphasis on both low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). The study begins with a comprehensive review of the current composition of power energy systems in the maritime field, analysing existing propulsion systems and their environmental impact. To complete this first part, the software HELM (developed by the Thermochemical Power Group) was adopted to carry out a multicriteria analysis on few case studies to have a better understanding on the range of applicability of these innovative technologies. The work includes the simulation of the fuel cells system through numerical models to evaluates the feasibility, advantages, and challenges associated with integrating PEMFC and SOFC systems into maritime vessels. Special attention is given to the study of pressurization of both PEMFC and SOFC systems. The performance of the system increases but the complexity of the BoP, the costs and the volumes and weights are influenced negatively. The pressurization is achieved for both cases, hybridizing the fuel cell with a turbocharger. The PEMFC-TC system was analysed using the commercial software GT-Power while the SOFC was investigated with the use of TRANSEO which relies on MATLAB-Simulink. The actual state of art for SOFC provides for the use of methane that is converted with a reforming process into hydrogen but in the recent years other hydrocarbons or hydrogen carriers are considered as alternative fuels. The last chapter of this thesis explores the potential of utilizing innovative fuels such as ammonia in SOFC systems. The feasibility and advantages of using ammonia as a fuel source are examined, considering its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions relying on the fact that its production is widely diffused. Overall, this thesis contributes to the research on alternative systems that will be part of the energy mix of the next years to reach the emissions limits imposed by regulations for a more sustainable maritime transportation by offering a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with fuel cell technologies in this field.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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