Doosan Fuel Cell, in collaboration with HyAxiom, has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of maritime technology. Their Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) for maritime application has successfully passed an environmental test conducted by DNV, one of the world’s top three classification associations. This achievement marks the world’s first environmental test clearance for an SOFC fuel cell designed specifically for maritime use.
The rigorous testing encompassed various real-world operating conditions, including temperature, humidity, vibration, tilt, and electromagnetic waves. Unlike typical tests for electronic equipment on vessels, which focus on extreme environmental conditions, this assessment mirrored the actual conditions encountered during maritime operations.
With the cell stack of their marine SOFC now certified, Doosan Fuel Cell is poised to complete testing and certification for the remaining components and the overall SOFC system within this year. Subsequently, the company plans to supply SOFC units for ships and conduct full-scale demonstrations.
This achievement comes as part of a broader initiative involving key industry players. In October 2022, Doosan Fuel Cell partnered with Shell, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, and HyAxiom to develop SOFC technology for maritime applications. The consortium aims to utilize 600 kW SOFC units as auxiliary power units (APUs) on demonstration ships, operating them along actual routes for a year to validate reliability and efficiency.
The timing of this accomplishment aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) setting ambitious goals to cut emissions by 100% compared to 2008 levels by 2050, the demand for environmentally friendly propulsion systems is growing. SOFC technology, with its potential for significant carbon and fuel reduction, is emerging as a competitive option in this landscape.
A Doosan Fuel Cell official emphasized the unique strengths of their SOFC technology, including a longer lifespan due to lower operating temperatures and superior efficiency compared to traditional internal combustion engines. The successful environmental test result underscores the suitability of Doosan Fuel Cell’s SOFC for maritime use, reaffirming its performance even under harsh operating conditions.
Doosan Fuel Cell’s efforts extend beyond maritime applications. Collaborating with Ceres, a prominent clean energy technology developer, the company is advancing solid oxide fuel cell technology for stationary use. With a 50MW plant already established in the Saemangeum Industrial Complex, Doosan Fuel Cell is on track to complete development and demonstration of stationary SOFC systems by 2024, poised for market entry in 2025.
Source Doosan Fuel Cell