Marine vessel producing hydrogen from seawater for use as fuel
The marine vessel produces hydrogen from seawater to power its engine, addressing environmental and operational limitations of fossil and solar-powered vessels by using an electrolysis unit and hydrogen fuel cell, ensuring continuous energy and reduced refueling needs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/TR2025/050057
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-02
AI Technical Summary
Traditional marine vessels powered by fossil fuels face environmental impacts, sustainability issues, and operational limitations due to energy inefficiency and reliance on limited resources, while solar-powered vessels are insufficient in energy capacity and efficiency.
A marine vessel that produces hydrogen from seawater using an electrolysis unit, storing it for use in a hydrogen fuel cell to power the engine, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and providing a continuous energy source.
The hydrogen fuel cell offers a zero-emission energy source, enhancing operational flexibility and reducing refueling needs, with a solid structure and low installation costs, while minimizing environmental impact.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] MARINE VESSEL PRODUCING HYDROGEN FROM SEAWATER FOR USE AS FUEL
[0002] Technical Field:
[0003] The present invention relates to a marine vessel that produces hydrogen from seawater and uses it as fuel, which can be used to eliminate the consumption of fossil fuels and extend its lifetime by reducing costs.
[0004] State of the Art:
[0005] Today, traditional marine vessels are usually powered by fossil fuels, exposing them to environmental impacts and sustainability issues. The use of fossil fuels causes environmental impacts and leads to problems such as air and water pollution. Since fossil fuels are limited resources, sustainability problems arise in the long run. The need for refueling restricts the operational flexibility of marine vessels and their performance on long-term missions. Energy efficiency can be low and increases operating costs.
[0006] In utility model application numbered TR2021002957, "A Marine Vessel with Double- Sided Solar Panels" is described. The invention relates to a marine vessel in which bifacial solar panels are located on the body, the energy obtained from the bifacial solar panels is used to obtain at least the energy required to achieve the displacement velocity, and the hull on the water is formed from a resin infusion foam core.
[0007] In the utility model application numbered TR201801509, "Solar Powered Marine Vessel" is described. The invention relates to a low-speed surface water vessel for angling, recreational and sightseeing purposes, for 2-4 or 6 people, where the sea or lake bottom can be observed, which receives motion energy and other energy it requires (LED lighting, sound system, USB port, beverage heater-cooler, GPS tracking system) from solar panels.
[0008] Above described are marine vessels with various designs. The most distinctive feature of these marine vessels is that they are powered by solar energy. With the solar panels placed on the upper parts of the vessel, it stores the solar energy and allows it to be used for various operations. However, solar energy can be obtained at certain times of the day and not on cloudy days. For this reason, although it is used as a sustainable and natural energy source, it is not sufficient. In addition, the energy obtained will be far below the maximum energy capacity to be consumed by the marine vessel. In other words, maximum efficiency will not be obtained from the marine vessel.
[0009] As a result, there is a need for a new technology which can overcome the disadvantages mentioned above.
[0010] Definition of the Invention:
[0011] The present invention is a marine vessel producing hydrogen from seawater for use as fuel, which can overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and is characterized by using hydrogen as fuel, obtaining hydrogen from seawater, having an electrolysis unit, containing a fuel cell, using natural and sustainable fuel.
[0012] The invention is a marine vessel that separates hydrogen from seawater and enables it to be used as fuel. Hydrogen is obtained by separating seawater from both salt and oxygen in an electrolysis unit. The hydrogen fuel cell starts the engine by obtaining electrical energy with the hydrogen obtained. The hydrogen fuel cell, which produces hydrogen from seawater, provides a zero-emission energy source. This minimizes environmental impacts and does not harm the marine ecosystem. The hydrogen fuel cell can continuously produce hydrogen from seawater and thus meet the energy needs of marine vessels for long-term missions. Compared to traditional fuels, it offers longer operation and reduces the need for refueling, increasing operational flexibility. Fossil fuel consumption is eliminated.
[0013] With the easy fastening of the parts that make up the invention to each other, it is easy to install, and thanks to the short assembly time, costs are low. Also, the invention has a solid structure.
[0014] Description of the Drawings: The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, so that the features of the invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated, however it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended all alternatives, modifications and equivalences that may be included in the field of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims are within the scope. It should be understood that the details shown are for the sole purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to provide the most useful and easily understandable description of both the embodiment of the methods and the rules and conceptual features of the invention. In the drawings;
[0015] Fig.1 is a perspective view of the system.
[0016] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the system.
[0017] The figures which will help understand this invention are numbered as indicated in the accompanying drawing and are given below with their names.
[0018] Description of the References:
[0019] 1. Marine Vessel
[0020] 2. Engine
[0021] 3. Water Channel
[0022] 4. Electrolysis Unit
[0023] 5. Hydrogen Storage Unit
[0024] 6. Hydrogen Fuel Cell
[0025] 7. Control Unit
[0026] Description of the Invention:
[0027] The invention comprises a manned and unmanned marine vessel (1), an engine (2) with a propeller positioned at the rear of the marine vessel (1), at least 2 water channels (3) that can be opened and closed and extending outward from the bottom of the marine vessel (1) to collect seawater, an electrolysis unit (4) that first desalinates the seawater entering through the water channel (3) by desalination and then obtains hydrogen by electrolysis method, a hydrogen storage unit (5) where the obtained hydrogen is stored, a hydrogen fuel cell (6) that starts the engine (2) by obtaining electrical energy through hydrogen fuel transmitted from the hydrogen storage unit (5), and a control unit (7) that supervises and controls seawater intake, hydrogen fuel production, and use.
[0028] Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0029] The parts that constitute the invention are essentially; marine vessel (1), engine (2), water channel (3), electrolysis unit (4), hydrogen storage unit (5), hydrogen fuel cell (6), and control unit (7).
[0030] There is provided a manned and unmanned marine vessel (1). A propeller engine (2) is located at the rear of the marine vessel (1). There are at least 2 water channels (3) extending outward from the bottom on both sides of the marine vessel (1). The water channel (3) enables the collection of seawater and its mouth can be opened and closed. The seawater collected from the water channel (3) is sent to the electrolysis unit (4). The electrolysis unit (4) first separates the salt from the seawater and then provides hydrogen by electrolysis method. The hydrogen obtained in the electrolysis unit (4) is sent to the hydrogen storage unit (5). The hydrogen storage unit (5) sends hydrogen fuel to the hydrogen fuel cell (6) to obtain electrical energy. The engine (2) is started with the electrical energy obtained. There is a control unit (7) that supervises the operations of the water channel (3), the electrolysis unit (4), the hydrogen storage unit (5) and the hydrogen fuel cell (6) such as seawater intake, hydrogen production, and conversion of hydrogen fuel into electrical energy.
Claims
CLAIMS1. The marine vessel producing hydrogen from seawater for use as fuel, characterized in that it comprises; — a manned and unmanned marine vessel (1),— an engine (2) with a propeller positioned at the rear of the marine vessel (1)— at least 2 water channels (3) that can be opened and closed and extending outward from the bottom of the marine vessel (1) to collect seawater,— an electrolysis unit (4) that first desalinates the seawater entering through the water channel (3) by desalination and then obtains hydrogen by electrolysis method,— a hydrogen storage unit (5) where the obtained hydrogen is stored,— a hydrogen fuel cell (6) that starts the engine (2) by obtaining electrical energy through hydrogen fuel transmitted from the hydrogen storage unit (5), and — a control unit (7) that supervises and controls seawater intake, hydrogen fuel production, and use.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Vessel for desalinating salt water, converting same into drinking water and generating electrical energy
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System and method for floating marine liquefied hydrogen production facility using marine renewable energy
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System and method for the production and use of hydrogen on board a marine vessel .
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