Exeter Uni's Test Centre For Hydrogen Marine Power

A new centre opened in the southwest of the UK. It is for testing and demonstrating marine hydrogen propulsion systems. The centre is independent. It launched on April 26.

The Hydrogen Boat Centre is a project by Pure Energy Professionals and the University of Exeter. The aim is to speed up the switch to clean hydrogen power for boats. The facility offers a testing rig for parts and full systems.

The rig has a hydrogen fuel cell and battery system. One motor is propelled using this set-up. A second motor is used on a dynamometer. The second motor provides a resistive load to simulate the resistance encountered by a vessel's propellor in the water.

The centre does virtual performance testing. The testing is for theoretical and real-world routes.

PEP's James Davison said that virtual simulation can be used to integrate new systems effectively. The process allows for fine-tuning and optimization of systems before investing in physical hardware, resulting in confidence in achieving the desired results.

This feature lets you compare fuel usage and overall system effectiveness. You can compare an internal combustion engine boat with a hydrogen system that has identical performance.

Georg UK provided the motors for the system. Andy Cheadle is the Project Manager. They can simulate made-up or real trips. If there is data from boats with regular engines, they can run the same trip on the rig. The battery and hydrogen system's performance can be measured this way.

The centre in Cornwall is made possible by ERDF funding. It's on the Penryn Campus and will provide information on how to design, integrate, regulate and make small commercial vessels and leisure craft.

Richard Cochrane, who is a professor of renewable energy at the University of Exeter and the Chief Innovation Officer at RheEnergise, has stated that they plan to experiment with various types of fuel cells and technology to optimize the system for use on other boats.

Fuel cells are efficient. They're better than internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is needed for longer runtime. This is especially true if it's out for a few hours. It's not the solution to everything, though.

PEP's Project Lead, James Davison, thinks that the leisure industry could be a big player in using hydrogen-powered boats. He believes the new centre can help speed up this shift.

Davison said the rig will enable vessel-specific tests. Different boat builders and equipment manufacturers can participate.

We can work with technology providers. We can help them marinise equipment. They can take advantage of opportunities.