marine system
SeaGreen Fuel Cell Systems
With an ever-increasing focus on maritime sector decarbonization, clean marine technologies are high on the maritime industry’s agenda, and a differentiator for our customers’ vessels to stay competitive.
MARINE SOLUTIONS
Fuel cell technologies aim to provide a longer duration (hours) and cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels by taking in commonly occurring elements as the energy source and exploiting a chemical reaction to produce electricity, leaving only harmless by-products. There are a variety of fuel cell technologies (e.g. PEM, SOFC) for marine applications currently under development and evaluation, able to run on different, cleaner fuels.
Leading the green wave
GE Power Conversion is working in partnership with Nedstack to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology and systems for zero-emission shipping. This partnership brings together GE’s recognized expertise in electrical power and propulsion solutions plus system integration capability, with Nedstack’s extensive experience in megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Maritime fuel cell applications
The SeaGreen Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) system will continue to push the green transition of the maritime industry. The PEM fuel cells only produce electricity and the only bi-products are water and heat -making them an ideal solution for zero-emission ships. GE’s variable speed drive technology manages power generated to supply electricity to propulsion and onboard systems, as well extending fuel cell life.
GE AND NEDSTACK envisage using this technology to replace traditional diesel engines with fuel cells, and heavy fuel oil (HFO) with hydrogen. Together, GE and Nedstack have engineered the concept for a 2MW hydrogen fuel cell power plant on an expedition vessel. Initial results have been positive.
Fuel Cell Technology
Proton Exchange Membrane(PEM) fuel cells are electrochemical reactors in which a fuel and an oxidant are made to react in an electrochemical manner. Such reactors, as opposed to combustion reactions, do not produce any emissions other than pure water and can be scaled to multi-megawatt power ratings.
Advantages of GE’s SeaGreen hybrid electric drive system
Bringing fuel cells into mainstream maritime fleet use is not just about technology development; we are taking a practical overall system view, integrating the fuel cell into the ship’s power network, whether for propulsion power or for on-board auxiliary power generation on larger ships. This means working on performance, functionality and scalability within the power network, safety, interfaces and energy management.
Frequently switching fuel cells on and off can reduce life expectancy, so GE’s variable drive, fuel cell system architecture and dedicated power management systems are engineered to limit the switch on-and-off frequency of the fuel cells when sailing or in port.
- Improves control and efficiency
- Directly manages electricity produced by hydrogen fuel cells
- Extends fuel cell lifespan
Marine systems portfolio
Land-based System Test & Emulation
At the heart of GE Power Conversion’s Marine business lies a 4.5 acre, dedicated, full power, land-based test facility. The Marine Power Test Facility plays a crucial role in de-risking present and future power and propulsion technologies, systems and from product development and verification through to complete, full-scale integrated power and propulsion systems.
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Seagreen PTO/PTI
The SeaGreen™ PTO/PTI system is an effective, simple way of creating an electric hybrid on a ship, and helps ship owners improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and meet environmental regulations.
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Seagreen Fuel Cell Systems
With an ever-increasing focus on maritime sector decarbonization, clean marine technologies are high on the maritime industry’s agenda, and a differentiator for our customers’ vessels to stay competitive.
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Seajet Podded Propulsion
GE’s SEAJET podded propulsion system is the ideal choice of electric propulsion for applications where maneuverability, efficiency or space constraints are very important. The electric motor is housed in the hull-mounted pod under the ship and directly connected to the propeller, freeing up cargo and operational space in the ship. Through system efficiency, total fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are reduced.
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Shore Power Connections
Regulation on pollution, emissions and noise in ports is becoming more and more stringent. The resulting requirement for port electrification and higher return on existing assets puts greater demand on ageing infrastructure and increased requirement for use of alternative clean energy supplies.