DLR also on board for development of the world's first ocean-going hydrogen powered fuel-cell ferry
- Eight partners from six countries are cooperating in the European Union-funded 'HySeas III' research project
- The Scottish archipelago is already using surplus renewable energies to produce hydrogen
- A market analysis carried out by DLR will provide information on whether the concept also has commercial potential for other European locations
- Focus: Renewable energy, transport, sector coupling
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is involved in the development of the world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered ocean-going ferry for passenger and vehicle transport. The objective of the European Union-funded 'HySeas III' research project is to provide a shuttle service between the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shapinsay with a new type of ship powered by renewable energy sources, beginning in the year 2021. The DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems is participating in the project by providing comprehensive economic and ecological analyses, while determining the market potential in Europe.
Electric drive instead of diesel engine
Under the leadership of the Port Glasgow-based Ferguson shipyard, the ferry is being designed for a capacity of around 120 passengers and 18 vehicles. Measuring 35 metres, with a beam of 10 metres and a two-metre draught, it will replace the currently used diesel-powered ship. The technological novelty of the new ferry lies in its electric drive. To this end, fuel cells are installed in order to convert hydrogen into electrical energy on board. This is quite a challenge for the shipbuilders because the heavy ship's engine and chimney are done away with. Accordingly, the weight distribution of the ferry must be completely redesigned. In the course of the project, the scientists and engineers will calculate the position and size – and therefore performance – of the energy storage unit and then determine the final design of the ferry.
Hydrogen from surplus renewable energies
There is no doubt, however, about the origin of the fuel. For about five years, wind, wave and tidal power plants in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland have generated surplus renewable energy. Due to limited network capacity to the mainland, it was decided to convert the surplus energy into hydrogen directly on site. At the same time, the construction of a hydrogen infrastructure was started so that the ferry could be refuelled with a mobile trailer. “So with HySeas III, we will not only achieve a world first in shipbuilding, but also in building sustainable local sources of fuelling in parallel,” explains project coordinator Martin Smith at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
Efficiency put to the test
Scientists at the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems are investigating whether the new ship concept will also bring economic and ecological advantages compared with other innovative drive concepts and the requisite infrastructure. "We are undertaking a detailed analysis of the cost structures, starting with the probable direction of commodity prices through to the ongoing operating and maintenance costs, as well as the costs for the subsequent professional disposal of waste," explains Thomas Vogt, Head of the Energy Systems Analysis Department. "We are also performing this analysis for comparable concepts, for example, ferries with diesel, hybrid or purely electric drives. The necessary – partly networked – infrastructure also needs to be considered. Only by directly comparing these data can conclusions be drawn on the actual feasibility of the concept."
Ecological analysis from raw material extraction to waste disposal
An ecological analysis should also determine how environmentally friendly the hydrogen ferry is compared with the competition. Although no direct pollutants and emissions are released during the hydrogen production and ferry operation, numerous other factors could tarnish the result, as Vogt clarifies: "Raw materials with low availability may be required for the production process. Mining, transport and processing are sometimes energy-intensive and can significantly affect the carbon dioxide balance if no renewable energies are used for this. Waste disposal can also lead to environmental problems."
Blueprint for other ferry connections
In the long term, HySeas III could provide the blueprint for other ferry connections throughout Europe. The Institute of Networked Energy Systems wants to determine the potential for this in a market analysis. Key factors include route length, passenger and vehicle capacity, operator and population acceptance, and the ability to deliver hydrogen using renewable energy in the region. "Our analysis is intended to show the feasibility and usefulness of implementing a hydrogen-powered ferry operation, not only in the Orkney Islands, but also on other routes in Europe," Vogt says summarising the project goals.
Eight project partners from six countries
The scientific foundations for HySeas III have already been laid in the predecessor projects HySeas I and II. HySeas I first examined the technical, economic and socio-economic aspects of future hydrogen-powered ferries in very general terms. HySeas II focused on developing the design of the relevant ferries and on the detailed planning of the infrastructure required on shore. The actual implementation of the ferry concept is now taking place in HySeas III. In addition to DLR and the Ferguson shipyard, the project partners in the 42-month third stage include the University of St. Andrews, the Orkney Island Council (both Scotland), Ballard Power Systems (Denmark), Kongsberg Maritime (Norway), Interferry (Belgium) and McPhy (France).