Prototype of a power train for hydrogen vessels

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£1,948,741

Jan. 1, 2023

Nov. 30, 2023

ACUA Ocean through CMDC1 Strand 2, successfully developed and tested a non-commercial low voltage concept powertrain system. Since CDMC1 multiple companies have approached ACUA and Trident Marine Electrical to procure a hydrogen-powertrain system.

AO also identified challenges in the global hydrogen-electric supply chain, with a limited number of suppliers (Torqeedo and EODev). Alternative zero-emission solutions (such as Torqeedo and Evoy) focus on generic battery technology which due to the low-power density of lithium ion batteries have very limited endurance/ range and are not suitable for many commercial and recreational marine activities.

In partnership with Krensen, a leading British innovator in electric propulsion-based products/systems and TME, one of the UK's most exciting marine electrical engineering startups - this consortium application looks to deliver an innovative marinised liquid hydrogen-powertrain solution that can be used in multiple vessels across recreational and commercial vessels.

The proposed hydrogen-power train system will:

* increase battery to 360v system from 24v,
* increase engine power from 10kw to 200kw
* optimise the powertrain efficiency - focus on chargingcharing and removal of DC to AC steps
* marinise the fuel cell system
* develop a smart control system and user interface

This R&D application collaboration will deliver a non-commercial Factory Acceptance Test demonstration to TRL5 of the power-train system that is commercially available to third parties, supporting the priority technology focus of CMDC 2 for new and novel design and zero-emission propulsion systems. Commercial exploitation aims to expand use beyond the AO vessel to include recreational and commercial small and medium sized crewed and uncrewed vessels - including new installations and retrofits. These markets include the 30m global recreational boat sector, valued at $29bn in 2022\. Additionally, this powertrain system could be deployed in commercial vessels including the multi-billion dollar fishing trawling market and the fast growing Offshore Patrol Vessels market.

This 8-month industrial collaborative R&D project uniquely addresses multiple CMDC2 priority innovation challenges of;

1. Whole-ship energy efficiency design and integration through optimisation of the powertrain design and vessel propulsion
2. Safe on-board storage of hydrogen and ammonia
3. Auxiliary engines, for example, battery, fuel cell, using low or zero carbon alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol or ammonia

Total eligible costs for 8-month industrial R&D collaboration are £564,653 (70% grant, 30% match-funding from existing reserves);

* AO: £310,516 \> £217,361 (70%) / £93,155 (30%)
* Krensen: £159,800 \> £47,940 (70%) / £54,772 (30%)
* TME: £94,337 \> £66,036 (70%) / £28,301 (30%)