Auxiliary generator of a platform supply vessel based on fuel cell technology

The work deals with a preliminary project of a 5000 DWT Platform Supply Vessel (SV), equipped with a Diesel electric propulsion system and 300 kW of an auxiliary power unit based on fuel cell technology. A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is considered for the installation onboard, in order to guarantee low emissions when the ship is berthed in port and uses the auxiliary plant for other services. The system is made by commercial 3x100 kW PEMFC stacks, supplied by Ballard Company, operating with pure hydrogen (H2) fuel. The H2 storage system is based on compressed gas cylinders at 350 atm with a volume of about 52 m3, that are capable to guarantee 48 hours of autonomy. These cylinders are located on the main deck in order to make easier the handling during the refuelling operations and to mitigate hazard to lower levels under all operation conditions.