RIX INDUSTRIES Integrated, on-demand hydrogen More manageable deployment taps methanol infrastructure as a path to net zero WORDS: BRYAN REID F or ship operators and naval architects, the integration of methanol-to-hydrogen (M2H2) technology with proton exchange membrane fuel cells is creating a smart path to net zero emissions. The two technologies work together to deliver propulsion and auxiliary power via integrated solutions that pair M2H2 and PEM in a single deployment. Reducing complexity is a key factor on the road to net zero. M2H2 reformer systems have proved viable in solving the complexities of bringing hydrogen on board and enabling new flexibility in ship design. Hydrogen created on demand means that ships do not need cryogenic systems or high-pressure tanks for hydrogen storage or management. The value of this approach is demonstrated on board Hydrogen One, the world’s first methanol-powered tow boat. Hydrogen One relies on RIX’s M2H2 Series hydrogen-on-demand system paired with PowerCell’s PEM fuel cells to deliver primary vessel power with no NO X , SO X or particulate matter. Complexity is further reduced with the continued evolution of M2H2 systems, which 1. Carbon emission mandates are driving the adoption of hydrogen on board and on demand 2. RIX M2H2 systems support 10-200kW PEM fuel cell systems. Units can be combined to support megawatt applications 3. The M2H2 is optimized for newly designed workboats, ships and yachts today streamline engineering requirements by collocating M2H2 and PEM technologies in a single integrated solution. For example, the RIX M2H2 is configurable as a single solution including PEM fuel cells, optimized for newly designed ships, workboats and yachts. This design maximizes efficiency in a smaller footprint at a reduced cost, with minimized hydrogen runs and fewer inerting systems. Systems are easily accessible, simplifying serviceability and maintenance. With no complex layout or extensive space requirements, the integrated solution is self-contained, built and tested as a packaged unit, eliminating the need for onboard qualification testing or verification. 1 Tapping methanol infrastructure Supporting 10-200kW PEM fuel cell systems, RIX M2H2 units can be combined to support megawatt applications. Ship operators can tap clean power with flexibility, fueling needs such as ship propulsion, auxiliary power systems and cold ironing. M2H2 is flexible and its deployment capitalizes on the immediate availability of methanol to access 3 hydrogen. The ‘color’ of methanol is irrelevant, as the reforming process uses any type – gray or green. Gray methanol is available now, produced with natural gas as its feedstock. When used in the methanol-to-hydrogen process, gray methanol eliminates NO X , SO X and particulate matter, resulting in 23-25% less CO₂ than the use of a standard diesel engine. And when green methanol (methanol that is sustainably produced) becomes more widely available, ship operators will see net zero carbon output. Systems can even mix the two kinds, providing ship operators with a head start in reducing emissions. Ships are designed to be in service for decades. Adopting hydrogen-on-demand futureproofs the asset and aligns with stringent greenhouse gas reduction standards. Such systems are scalable and deployable as a single solution integrated with PEM fuel cells. And as the industry anticipates new fuels and works to solve hydrogen complexity, vessels with reforming technology will have established a flexible path to capitalize on today’s methanol and its anticipated cleaner versions. 2 66 // January 2024 // ElectricHybridMarineTechnology.com