ZE H-Class Ocean USV
Lead Participant:
SEA-KIT INTERNATIONAL LTD
Abstract
Continuing our efforts to help the UK meet its emissions targets of reduction of GHGs from shipping by at least 50% by 2050, SEA-KIT (SK) and Bramble Energy (BE) are partnering again in this CMDC2 project to design a 12m uncrewed surface vessel (USV) that is powered entirely by hydrogen using Bramble's patented PCBFC technology.
The hydrogen fuel will use the BE's new and novel Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC). CMDC1 proved the concept that the technology can be applied to the maritime industry. This project will take that technology and optimise it for operation in a marinised environment. The updated design of the hydrogen-powered USV will likely require more electrical power in order to provide vessel performance that will be attractive to the target market and subsequently, this project includes the new design of a PCBFC and its system suitable for this commercial application.
Designing the USV from the ground up to be powered by hydrogen allows much greater flexibility for the hydrogen storage to overcome hydrogens lower volumetric energy density.
The project will require the close co-operation between the project partners with regulators and classification bodies during this design stage to ensure the entire safety case is robust to reduce risks to final vessel certification.
A key output from this project is to achieve approval in principle for the fuel cell, its system and the USV.
The market segment this HUSV will target is deep water offshore as well as coastal surveying and remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The combination of: highly capable surveying and inspection instrumentation; improved safety at sea (crewless) and zero-emissions will make a very compelling alternative to current crewed survey vessels and their large carbon footprint. This project makes a significant step towards that goal.
In order to achieve this goal by Aug 2023, SK and BE will apply all lessons learnt from CMDC round 1 and engage regulators at the beginning of the project. Pre-application validation checks included discussion with Lloyds to gauge confidence in gaining approval in principle in the timeframe and it was confirmed achievable.
The hydrogen fuel will use the BE's new and novel Printed Circuit Board Fuel Cell (PCBFC). CMDC1 proved the concept that the technology can be applied to the maritime industry. This project will take that technology and optimise it for operation in a marinised environment. The updated design of the hydrogen-powered USV will likely require more electrical power in order to provide vessel performance that will be attractive to the target market and subsequently, this project includes the new design of a PCBFC and its system suitable for this commercial application.
Designing the USV from the ground up to be powered by hydrogen allows much greater flexibility for the hydrogen storage to overcome hydrogens lower volumetric energy density.
The project will require the close co-operation between the project partners with regulators and classification bodies during this design stage to ensure the entire safety case is robust to reduce risks to final vessel certification.
A key output from this project is to achieve approval in principle for the fuel cell, its system and the USV.
The market segment this HUSV will target is deep water offshore as well as coastal surveying and remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The combination of: highly capable surveying and inspection instrumentation; improved safety at sea (crewless) and zero-emissions will make a very compelling alternative to current crewed survey vessels and their large carbon footprint. This project makes a significant step towards that goal.
In order to achieve this goal by Aug 2023, SK and BE will apply all lessons learnt from CMDC round 1 and engage regulators at the beginning of the project. Pre-application validation checks included discussion with Lloyds to gauge confidence in gaining approval in principle in the timeframe and it was confirmed achievable.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| SEA-KIT INTERNATIONAL LTD | £439,601 | £ 307,721 |
Participant |
||
| BRAMBLE ENERGY LIMITED | £425,274 | £ 255,164 |
| INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
| David Ball (Project Manager) |