Imagine using ammonia as a liquid battery that is much easier to move than hydrogen gas. This project builds a special machine that turns that ammonia back into electricity with very little waste. It's like a high-tech power plant in a box that can run ships or ports without burning fossil fuels.
Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport. Ammonia is a better carrier, but converting it back to electricity efficiently and safely without damaging the fuel cell (nitriding) has been a technical barrier.
An 8 kW ammonia fuel cell system including an ammonia cracker, burner, heat management system, and a multiscale multiphysic model for design optimization.
If you are a ship operator dealing with carbon emissions and difficult hydrogen storage — this project developed an ammonia fuel cell system that converts ammonia to power with an electrical efficiency of 70%. This allows for a denser energy carrier to power vessels.
If you are a port operator dealing with the need for clean, autonomous power for cranes and machinery — this project developed an 8 kW stack module system. It provides a way to use ammonia as a hydrogen carrier to increase energy flexibility in port areas.
If you are an energy provider dealing with the high cost of transporting hydrogen to remote sites — this project developed a system using ammonia crackers and fuel cells. This makes it possible to transport energy as ammonia and convert it to electricity on-site.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project includes techno-economic analysis to determine the financial viability of the technology.
The project is developing an 8 kW stack module for testing in a relevant port environment, with plans to propose scaled engineering for larger end-uses.
Based on available project data, IP and licensing details are not specified, though the consortium includes 9 industry partners and 2 SMEs who are likely involved in the commercialization path.
The system integrates an ammonia cracker, a burner, and anode gas recirculation into a Balance of Plants design suitable for maritime and port environments.
The project runs from January 2023 to March 31, 2027, with initial conceptual designs and single-cell testing already completed in the first 18 months.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 64% of the 14 partners coming from the private sector (9 industry partners, including 2 SMEs). This strong industrial presence, combined with 3 universities and 2 research centers across 6 countries, suggests a high focus on commercial viability and practical engineering rather than purely academic research.
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