FuelCellsWorks

Wärtsilä’s fuel cell unit WFC20 started its journey in Espoo, Finland. It was in May installed onboard the car carrier ‘Undine* of Wallenius

Wärtsilä’s WFC20 fuel cell unit has been installed onboard the ’Undine’, a car carrier, owned by Swedish Wallenius Lines and managed by Wallenius Marine. This unique power unit is the first of its kind in the world, and will during the test period provide auxiliary power to the vessel while producing close to zero emissions. This project is an important step towards more environmentally sound shipping and cleaner seaborne transportation.

The fuel cell unit, which has a nominal output of 20 kW, is based on planar solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC), and fuelled with methanol. Methanol is particularly suited for fuelling the WFC20 since it can be easily reformed to a composition suitable for the unit. Methanol can be produced from natural gas, or from renewable raw materials such as gasificated biomass. Methanol is a commonly used liquid in the oil and process industries, and is available in all major harbours.

Installation of the WFC20 fuel cell unit onboard the ‘Undine’ is the result of a joint project by the international METHAPU consortium. The participants in the consortium are Wärtsilä, Wallenius Marine, Lloyd’s Register, Det Norske Veritas, and the University of Genoa, each of whom is globally active in the field of fuel cell system integration, sustainable shipping, classification work or environmental assessment. The project has been funded with EUR 1 million from the European Union, and is part of the European Community Framework Programme (FP6).

The principal aim of the METHAPU project has been to validate and demonstrate new technologies for global shipping that can reduce the environmental impact of vessels. In addition, a further major aim is to establish the necessary international regulations for the use of methanol onboard commercial vessels, and to allow the use of methanol as a marine fuel.

“The development of sustainable sea transportation is a long term target and one that Wallenius Marine is strongly committed to. The METHAPU project supports this vision, not only through developing sustainable fuel cell technology for commercial transportation applications, but also by providing the opportunity to utilize a new renewable marine fuel. Furthermore, Wärtsilä’s deep expertise in SOFC fuel cell technology provides us with a solid platform from which to gain useful experience for the future,” says Per Croner, President, Wallenius Marine.

The ‘Undine’, with the Wärtsilä FC20 unit installed, sailed from the German port of Bremerhaven in May. From there it has headed for the USA, via Sweden and the UK. The validation process carried out at sea will provide excellent feedback and valuable information for the future development of this technology for marine environment applications.
Essential part of Wärtsilä’s strategy

Fuel cells are considered to be one of the most exciting energy technologies for the future. In addition to methanol, Wärtsilä’s fuel cells can efficiently utilize various gases as fuel and produce almost zero nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate emissions, all of which are harmful to the environment. It is expected, therefore, that fuel cell technology will also offer significant benefits to the shipping industry, where international emission regulations are becoming increasingly stringent.

The development of fuel cell technology is a part of Wärtsilä’s long-term product development, aimed at supplementing the company’s product portfolio. The development of environmentally friendly and sustainable energy production technologies is an essential part of Wärtsilä’s strategy. In 2008, Wärtsilä delivered a unique fuel cell unit, producing electricity and heating to the Vaasa Housing Fair site in Finland. The WFC20 unit, used in this project, runs on methane rich gas originating from a nearby landfill, and was developed and is operated by Wärtsilä.

Solvay Group, a chemical company based in Belgium, will seek cooperation with Korean companies to jointly develop fuel-cell battery and solar energy products.

The chemical company plans to create a $40 million venture fund for the joint projects with Korean companies and also to establish an R&D center here, officials at the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the state-run Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, said.

To find its partners, the company said it will take part in Global Alliance Project Series program, designed and operated by KOTRA. The program is aimed at bridging global corporations and domestic firms, institutions and universities for joint technology research and business alliances.

GE, Qualcomm, Johnson & Johnson, Novatis and Sanofi-Aventis are currently participating in the program.

Solvay is to unveil it plans on development and production of renewable energy and lithium batteries on Friday in front of executives from Korean companies and institutions. On the same day, it will announce its participation in KOTRA’s GAPS program in Seoul, a KOTRA official said.

The chemical company plans to consult with Korean firms who wish to join the venture, she said.

Solvay Group recently sold its pharmaceutical unit for $6.6 billion to make investments in the renewable energy sector. The company has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Ulsan city government to establish an R&D center for fuel cell and solar energy production in April, KOTRA said.