FREUDENBERG E-POWER SYSTEMS 2 1. Heavy duty – Bipolar Plate (BPP) Graphite bipolar plate with advanced flow field design for homogenous temperature profile and homogenous gas distribution 2. Heavy duty – Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Fully integrated MEA with patented sealing concept for advanced assembly characteristics Of course, there is a lot of carbon in methane and methanol – which begs the question, how is this a net zero process? It is important to note that when methane and methanol are produced from green hydrogen, any CO 2 that’s released was captured before in the production process, so there’s a closed loop for CO 2 . In other words, the source of the constituent products matters, and that’s something Freudenberg has taken into consideration. A single fuel cell system for marine application produces a net output of 500kW of electricity. With standard ships requiring 60-90MW, multiple systems can be added to safely power the living quarters of vessels, with future capabilities to expand beyond this and assist with propulsion. The FEPS solution is a cutting-edge process that produces this power within a small space, ensuring maximum capacity without taking up precious square footage in the hull. the need to quickly supply additional energy during spikes in consumption. For those in the marine industry looking to explore the adoption of fuel cells, it is important to identify the right partner. They should prioritize partners that understand the unique nuances of the marine industry from the operational and business perspectives. The best partners will also have demonstrated knowledge of the necessary certifications for fuel cells and batteries, be able to conduct basic risk assessments to identify potential challenges and solutions, and adhere to all required safety guidelines. Shipowners must keep in mind that most processes can take upward of three years from start to installation, so aligning with a partner and working together to identify solutions for their ships now will be critical for future success. Being proactive in the approach to emission reductions can only help reduce headwinds moving forward, and keep operations sailing smoothly into the future. Freudenberg stands ready with its 100kW engineering demonstrator fuel cell system, which is already approved by RINA, with strategic customers implementing FEPS onboard energy solutions – as well as battery solutions – that enable vessel operators to electrify the maritime industry in every sense of the word. 2. Single cell of a heavy-duty fuel cell stack 3. A breakdown of the layers in FEPS’s fuel cell technology 3 Electrifying the future On the verge of an exciting, electrified evolution, the marine industry is understandably approaching each new advancement with a diligent and cautiously optimistic eye. While fuel cells hold promise for the future, there is still a great need for battery advancements to keep pace. An effective fuel cell system also requires an effective battery system to assist in long treks across the sea and seamlessly fill 58 // January 2024 // ElectricHybridMarineTechnology.com