Marine Vessel Power Generation System Using Onboard Hydrogen Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine vessel power generation systems using small diesel engines are inefficient and generate significant emissions, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas like ports.
Innovation Solution
A two-mode power generation system that utilizes H2 electrolysis to produce hydrogen from seawater for storage and subsequent use in an H2 operated power generation apparatus, allowing for emission-free energy production in port while using low-cost fuels at sea.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional small diesel engines are used for auxiliary power generation in port, then the vessel can maintain power supply, but emissions increase significantly in environmentally sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into two distinct operational modes: sea mode using conventional diesel engines and port mode using hydrogen fuel cells. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific operating conditions, with the hydrogen system specifically designed for emission-free port operations while the diesel system handles sea transit requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen is produced and stored in advance during sea transit when the vessel operates away from environmentally sensitive areas. This preliminary production and storage of hydrogen enables the vessel to switch to emission-free power generation when entering port, avoiding the need for last-minute fuel changes or emissions control measures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If H2 electrolysis and storage systems are added for emission-free port operation, then environmental impact is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen system serves multiple functions: it acts as an energy storage medium, a clean fuel source for port operations, and a way to utilize excess electrical energy during sea transit. The electrolyzer, storage tanks, and fuel cells are integrated into the existing power generation architecture, allowing the system to perform both sea and port operations with a single unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system produces its own hydrogen fuel through onboard electrolysis during sea operations, eliminating the need for external hydrogen supply infrastructure. The vessel serves itself by converting excess electrical energy into stored hydrogen, which then fuels emission-free port operations, creating a self-sustaining cycle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low-sulfur high-cost fuels are used in port to reduce emissions, then environmental compliance is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of fuel type from sulfur-containing diesel to pure hydrogen during port operations. This parameter change eliminates emissions compliance requirements and associated costs, while the hydrogen is produced onboard from seawater, avoiding the need to purchase expensive low-sulfur bunker fuel.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reduces emissions in port by generating energy at sea with low-cost fuels, improving efficiency compared to small diesel engines and avoiding the need for high-cost, low-sulfur fuels, while also lowering environmental impact and related fees.
Implementation Method 1
an H2 electrolysis device, an H2 storage and an H2 operated power generation apparatus
Implementation Method 2
an H2 operated power generation apparatus provides electrical energy for an electrical propulsion arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel power generation system comprising a conventional machinery arrangement, such as an internal combustion engine (2) and a generator (3), a propulsion system, and a main switchboard (6). In order to provide an environmental friendly power generation system, when the marine vessel enters, leaves or is in port, said system is provided with an H2O operated power generation arrangement (8) for generating H2O from seawater in order to produce electrical energy.