Ballard has completed the installation of two of its 200kW fuel cell modules on board Norled’s Hydra ferry
With the vessel’s first sea trials beginning in December 2022, Hydra will become the first ferry in the world to be powered by proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells running on liquid hydrogen.
Ballard said it has completed the installation of two of its DNV type approved 200kW FCwave modules on board Norled’s Hydra ferry.
Ballard marine product line manager Thomas Therkild Petersen said “The installation of Ballard’s FCwave fuel cells onboard the Hydra not only showcases how efficiently the zero-emission operation of ships can be implemented, it also demonstrates how user-friendly the actual fuel cell installation set-up is from an operator’s perspective.”
The two fuel cell systems are integrated into a clean-lined cabinet with easy-access doors. All interfaces are accessible from the front for service and maintenance, and all connections are located below floor level.
Mr Petersen said: “The FCwave module is a true plug-and-play solution, providing an optimal zero-emission replacement for conventional combustion engines onboard ships. It is a high-power, adaptable engine in a hybrid electric system that incorporates fuel cells working together with batteries to provide efficient, zero-emission power. With this real-world example, we can help to ’demystify’ how we reduce the complexity of fuel cell technology integration – which may still be quite new to some ship operators. In a nutshell, this is really zero-emission made easy.”
Norled’s Hydra has a capacity of up to 299 passengers and 80 cars and will sail on the triangular route between Hjelmeland-Skipavik-Nesvik in Norway. The first test runs will take place in December 2022.
SOURCE: riviera
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