MARINE APPLICATIONS OF FUEL-CELLS - A MULTIAGENCY RESEARCH-PROGRAM

Recent advances in fuel cells, especially commercial transportation an d land-based electric power generation, make them attractive alternati ves to conventional shipboard power sources. Simply stated a fuel cell operates likes a battery. It is a device that supplies electricity (D C) by combining hydrogen and oxygen electrochemically without combusti on. Unlike a battery, it does not run down or require recharging and w ill produce electricity heat and water as long as fuel is supplied. Fu el cells are more efficient than diesel engines or gas turbines and ma y use significantly less fuel, with virtually no pollution. They are s imple with no moving parts except for the balance-of-plant equipment a ssociated with fuel management. As a result manning may be minimized. The challenge of marinizing and militarizing fuel cells is a daunting one. This paper will review the current status of marine studies and d escribe their importance. A recently formed multi-federal agency work group has been coordinating marine fuel cell research and its goals an d plans will be discussed.