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Propulsion Annual (Fuel) Cells of Endeavor By David Tinsley, Technical Editor German industry is doing much to advance the development and applica- tion of fuel cell technology, and is responsible for many of the initiatives launched so far in the marine sector. Although skeptics in the commercial shipping domain discount the chances of a substantial uptake of fuel cell power aboard mercantile traders in the foresee- able future, there is a growing realiza- tion of the long-term possibilities offered by the technology, albeit in spe- cialized areas. Use in auxiliary plant may hold out certain opportunities in some types of vessel. Minimal environmental impact, due to an absence of the noxious emissions produced by internal combustion engines, plus quiet, vibration-free run- ning and high thermal efficiency are characteristics of fuel cells that are of interest to sectors of the marine market. In the meantime, Howaldtswerke- Deutsche Werft (HDW) has been com- mercially vindicated in its bold move to adopt fuel cell technology as the basis for the air-independent propulsion (AIP) system in a new generation of sub- marines. The newly-built U31, the first of four 212A-class boats ordered by the German Navy, is the world's first sub- marine incorporating a fuel cell plant for silent, submerged propulsion, comple- menting the main, conventional diesel- electric propulsion system. The AIP con- sists of nine PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells, providing between 30-kW and 50-kW apiece, with oxygen and hydrogen storage. Although U31 is only just coming into commission, the hybrid powering con- cept using fuel cells has already drawn wide approbation, to the extent that con- tracts have now been secured for fuel cell-equipped, newbuild submarines for the Italian. Greek, South Korean and Portuguese navies, along with retrofit installations in an existing series of Greek boats. The quiet-running hydrogen fuel cell- based, atmospheric air-independent propulsion system not only makes it more difficult for the submarine to be detected, but also enables the boat to stay submerged for longer periods. Development and construction of the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) has been commercially vindicated in its bold move to adopt fuel cell technology as the basis for the air-independent propulsion (AIP) system in a new generation of submarines. HDW has a long history providing advanced submarines, including this Deutsche Marine Klasse 212 A ("S 181"), delivered in 2004. 212A-class, following on from the suc- cessful 209 type, was entrusted by the German navy to HDW and Emden builder Nordseewerke, two of the three partners in the German Submarine Consortium. Cooperation between the German and Italian defense ministries in submarine procurement has led to the design being licensed to Fincantieri for two 212A newbuilds for the Italian Navy. In addi- tion, the convincing benefits of fuel cell- propulsion have led to orders for a fol- low-on design, the Type 214, from Greece and Korea. The first of four Greek 214s was launched in April this year at HDW's Kiel premises, and the subsequent three newbuilds have been entrusted to Hellenic Shipyards, HDW's Greek subsidiary. Three Type 214s for service with the South Korean Navy are to be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The performance of the AIP system in the 214 design has been increased with two Siemens PEM fuel cells producing 120-kW per module. The German Submarine Consortium, which includes Ferrostaal of Essen besides HDW and Nordseewerke, has also this year landed a contract calling for two 209PN-class submarines, plus an option on a third vessel. As with the 212A and 214 types, the 209PN employs air-independent propulsion arrange- ments founded on fuel cells. In addition, HDW has opened the way to retrofitting class 209 conventional submarines with fuel cell propulsion. The Greek Navy has seized the opportu- nity, and has entrusted refitting of such a system to four of its fleet of eight 209 vessels to Hellenic Shipyards. The proj- ect encompasses the supply of Siemens PEM fuel cell modules and the electrical equipment for integration with each boat's existing propulsion system. The modernization project is intended to put the submerged range of the four 209- class submarines, dating from the late 1970s, on a par with that of newbuilds. Circle 27 on Reader Service Card 50 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News
