Hydrogen fuel cells are widely known as a clean alternative to fossil fuel-powered road vehicles. However, their potential stretches beyond city streets and dry land. Fuel cells could help expand and improve marine research.
Water covers roughly 71% of the Earth’s surface and more than 96% is in oceans. Because all life depends on water, understanding these oceans and the species living in them is crucial. Fuel cells can take this research further, helping it scale up safely and gain more accurate measurements.
Enabling Zero-Emissions Marine Vehicles
Clean marine vehicles are the most prominent application of fuel cells in marine research. Just as hydrogen can power cars and trucks, it can power boats, which produced 32.3 million metric tons of carbon emissions in the U.S. alone in 2020.
Researchers have designed fuel cell vessels that meet a research ship’s standards but produce no emissions. As this technology becomes more accessible, these ships will be easier and more affordable to construct. Scientific fleets could then become entirely emissions-free.
A maritime accident led to the EPA’s founding in 1970, so green ocean transportation represents a considerable step forward. These zero-emissions boats will help researchers ramp up their operations without harming the environment.
Protecting Sample Quality
Using fuel cells to power marine research vessels also helps scientists collect more reliable samples. Any issues in the sample collection process can hinder the quality and accuracy of the results, leading to unreliable research and even potential threats to marine life. Fuel cells help by removing the risk of contamination from greenhouse gas emissions.
The diesel engines that power most marine vessels may leak fuel or harmful gases into the water where scientists are performing their research. This contamination can harm nearby marine life and corrupt water samples, making it challenging to ensure study accuracy. Similarly, noise from these engines can affect the sensitivity of sound-detecting equipment like those researchers use to study echolocating animals like whales.
Fuel cells produce no harmful emissions and make far less noise. Consequently, using these technologies can lead to higher sample quality.
Powering Research Equipment
Finally, fuel cells can enable more marine research by powering onboard equipment in addition to the vessels themselves. Research tools require electricity, which, out on the ocean, typically means either using a generator or generating electricity from the onboard engine. Fuel cell systems provide a cleaner alternative, ensuring these tools do not affect sample quality or harm the environment as research increases.
Fuel cells have become an increasingly popular option to power ships’ onboard electronics. Some experts estimate 15% of cruise ships releasing in the next five years will feature hydrogen power — research vessels can capitalize on the same technology.
Dedicated fuel cells for electronics or portable hydrogen generators can provide clean power to any equipment researchers use. Removing electricity-related emissions ensures marine research can expand without growing its carbon footprint.
Fuel Cells Improve Marine Research
Fuel cell technology has considerable potential in marine research. These green technologies will prove essential as scientists try to learn more about the ocean and its relationship to human activity. Hydrogen power provides the means to enable a carbon-free expansion of the industry, ensuring research meant to protect the environment is genuinely eco-friendly.
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Jane Marsh, Contributor
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