One of the goals of the NAUTILUS project is the design and construction of a modular demonstrator for the novel SOFC-battery Genset intended for large passenger ships.
This technology solution aims to enable a shift in the maritime transport sector to a path with significantly lower emissions. The developed demonstrator will serve as a prototype showcasing the feasibility of the featured concept, its functionality, and potential applications of the integrated technologies.
The NAUTILUS demonstrator will consist of a 60kWe Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system provided by the project partner SolydEra and a Battery container provided by MAN ES. MAN ES will install all necessary components, including power electronics, an energy management system (real-time PC provided by RWTH Aachen), a safety system, into the container. This modular functional demonstrator will be installed at DLR premises in Stuttgart in the summer of 2024, connected to the electrical grid, and experimentally operated for a few months.
Now, let’s take a brief look at the concept of the demonstrator, starting with the SOFC part pictured in the lower section of the sketch. The main element of this part delivered by SolydEra is the 60 kWe SOFC system, based on 40 x 1.5 kW SOFC stacks. This ensemble also includes other vital auxiliary systems, such as the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (HVAC system), Fire Detection (FDS system), and the AUX supply cabinet, power electronics and SPLC ensuring a stable power supply to auxiliary systems. These auxiliary systems are crucial for the safe and proper functioning of the SOFC unit.
The other part of the demonstrator to be delivered to DLR’s premises in Stuttgart is the Battery container, pictured in the upper part of the sketch. The container will consist of the Battery unit itself and auxiliary systems enabling safe and stable operation of the battery, such as the Energy Management System, Input/Output control (I/O), Program Logic Control (PLC), the real-time PC with data storage (HMI), and the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system (HVAC system). Additionally, it includes Fire Detection (FDS system) and the AUX supply cabinet, ensuring a stable power supply to auxiliary systems.
Both of the above-mentioned parts will be coupled at DLR's test site in Stuttgart in the summer of 2024. At DLR premises, all necessary connections, interfaces, and safety regulations for both the SOFC and Battery Container have to be aligned to enable connection to the electric grid and stable operation for the test period of three months. The aim of the test is to assess the capability of the Genset demonstrator in reaching an LNG-to-power efficiency of >60% at nominal load. The performance and efficiency of the genset demonstrator at part loads and peak loads will be evaluated. A review and formal assessment of the whole engineering of the genset demonstrator against relevant marine safety regulations and codes will follow.
This testing phase of the demonstrator will provide essential input to NAUTILUS researchers on the real-world performance and reliability of the genset system and will also offer valuable insights for further optimizations.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 861647.
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NAUTILUS is a short for Nautical Integrated Hybrid Energy System for Long-haul Cruise Ships.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 861647.