Hidrogen Propulsion
Agip KCO searches for an Atmosphere Independent Propulsion (AIP) system capable of propelling vessels under noxious, toxic, flammable gas release. The available technologies include batteries, fuel cells, oxygenated combustion fuels to re-circulating diesel engines. The more established technologies tend to fall in two possibilities: electric batteries (EB) or fuel cells (FC).
Navalprogetti , has been requested, as consultant , to develop a study on the subject field.
The envisaged activity has been divided into three different phases:- a pre-feasibility study, where the main constraints of the design have been investigated
- a feasibility study phase, where the different possibilities have been examined
- a Conceptual Design Phase where the design of the chosen AIP system has been developed more in detail.
The analysis carried out in the Phase 1 has shown that the use of electric batteries is not a good solution due to the low power/weight ratio and consequent limited endurance offered. The most attractive solution has been found to be the fuel cells (FC) in which hydrogen and oxygen are used to produce electricity.
During the Phase 2 the possibility to upgrade an existing Ice Breaking Emergency Evacuation Vessel with the new power generation system has been analysed in order to extend endurance, improve reliability and safety.
