The Centre for Future Clean Mobility has been awarded funding for two new research projects under Clean Maritime Demonstrator Call round 2. This project is a huge step towards sustainable shipping and a zero carbon future
In both of these projects we’re designing new zero emissions powertrains, using our the powertrain simulation code we’ve been developing for a few years now. It is capable of analysing a duty cycle recorded on a vessel (or vehicle), working out many hundreds or thousands of powertrains and control strategies for them, which could deliver that duty cycle. It then helps us identify which of these powertrains is most promising, which is often the cheapest Total Cost of Ownership, but can also be driven by constraints on weight or size.
Project 1. Demonstrator for 1 MW inboard zero emissions powertrain. This is with Ecomar Propulsion and OS Energy, and will produce a 1 MW output powertrain using a combination of hydrogen fuel cell and lithium batteries, working under a clever control system, to satisfy duty cycles typical of work boats, CTV, and SOVs. We will work particularly on powertrain design, control strategy and system install.
Project 2. Project Zero is a consortium led by OS Energy, and will face issues surrounding support of offshore renewable energy infrastructure. We will focus on integrated innovative low-carbon and no-carbon powertrains, and their control strategies, vessel efficiency, regulations for storage, handling and operation of alternative fuels.
The consortium will also look at how to support growth of the supply chain, and how to develop related skills in the workforce.