Abstract
Recently the interest in the sustainability of the maritime sector has increased exponentially. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set as objective the reduction of CO2emissions by 2030 by a margin of 40% compared to 2008. Recent studies showed that, according to the ships and the emission mitigation method applied, only 15–25% of CO2reduction is de facto needed. Fuel cells represent an answer to meet this regulation. We propose two different solutions: (i) produce with SOFCs instead of engines the minimum power necessary to cut 20% of the emissions, or (ii) reduce the engine power of about 10% balancing the power requirement using MCFCs with CO2capture. Using Aspen Plus each solution was investigated. The analysis contemplated LNG steam reforming to produce the H2necessary for cell operation and the separation and liquefaction of CO2. Two case studies were considered comparing existing passenger ships with engines working on HFO and on LNG respectively. Although both solutions showed potential for the reduction of CO2emissions respecting the IMO regulations, the SOFC solution requires a major change in the design of the ship, while MCFCs are proposed as an urgent solution allowing ship retrofitting without demanding update.
Highlights
The maritime sector has an essential role in the transport of both goods and passengers across the globe
As results they confirmed that the adoption of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in combination with batteries can effectively address the challenges of the maritime sector in term of emission reductions, despite the need for improvements in the design of the SOFC system to reduce the impact on vessel design and operation
The anode inlet production process is like the one previously described for SOFC, in this case the final reformed gas is cooled down to a lower temperature of 580°C which is suitable for molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) operation
Summary
The maritime sector has an essential role in the transport of both goods and passengers across the globe. Haseltalab et al [8] studied the component sizing, energy and power management of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as the main source integrated into the liquefied natural gas fuelled Power and Propulsion System of vessels As results they confirmed that the adoption of SOFCs in combination with batteries can effectively address the challenges of the maritime sector in term of emission reductions, despite the need for improvements in the design of the SOFC system to reduce the impact on vessel design and operation. The authors propose two different solutions: (i) relying on solid oxide fuel cells instead of engines just the minimum power necessary to cut emissions of about 20%, or (ii) reduce the engine power around 10% while balancing the power requirement using MCFCs for CO2 capture Using both solutions two case studies were studied comparing existing passenger ships where engines working on HFO, typical of more traditional ships, and on LNG, currently emerging for emission reduction, are used respectively
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
