TESTING OF A DE NORA POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FUEL-CELL STACK OF 1 KW FOR NAVAL APPLICATIONS

In a previous study calculations were carried out for a navy frigate w ith respect to the energy consumption of a propulsion/electricity gene ration system based on fuel cells. The fuel consumption for the 'all-f uel cell' ship was compared with the consumption of the current propul sion/electricity generation system based on gas turbines and diesel en gines; it showed potential energy savings of a fuel cell based system amounting from 25 to 30%. On the basis of these results and taking int o account various military aspects it was decided to start tests with a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) stack. For this purpose a De No ra 1 kW PEFC was chosen. Results of the first tests after installation are satisfying.