Polymer fuel cell testing for Naval ship applications

In the framework of the development of a new generation of surface ships, the Royal Netherlands Navy, like many other navies, is studying the all-electric-ship (AES) as a serious option. There are various reasons for this interest in the AES concept. The main one is the growing demand for electrical energy for various applications on board (weapons, sensors, hotel load, etc.). The resulting possibilities for decentralisation of power sources further gives an increase of availability of energy and a more flexible use of the engines, resulting in lower fuel consumption, maintenance and emissions.
It is generally expected by the navies that in this AES, fuel cells can and will play an important role in the future, because they have a number of military advantages (modularity, low noise, low temperature of exhaust emissions, no vibration, etc). Also the low emissions and possibilities to cut fuel consumption by using fuel cells (favourable part load efficiency) are of importance [1]. Further it is expected that ease of operation and reduced maintenance will make power personnel numbers possible.
In the application of fuel cells on board of ships, especially in naval applications, a number of extra requirements have to be fulfilled, compared to the land-based applications of fuel cells. Therefore, some years ago a programme was started mainly devoted to the problems to be solved when installing fuel cells on-board of naval ships.
An aspect which is only partially addressed in this publication is fuel supply to the fuel cell on board naval ships. It is expected that for the next 3 to 4 decennia diesel fuel will be the only available fuel for naval surface ships. Therefore in a separate programme it is currently investigated whether there are possibilities of starting a development of a diesel fuel processor. This investigation is done in co-operation with ECN, industries and other navies.