Ricardo's Breakthrough in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology
Key Ideas
  • Ricardo's new multi-stack hydrogen fuel cell achieves a net electrical power output of 393 kW with a power density of 146 kWe/cubic metre and 4.0 kg/kWe.
  • The fuel cell module, developed for maritime use, integrates stacks from Elring-Klinger Plastic Omnium and systems from Ricardo, providing zero emissions and high energy output.
  • Ricardo's modular architecture allows for scalability and meets energy demands in various sectors like maritime, stationary power generation, rail, and off-highway applications.
  • The company's containerised solution, capable of delivering up to 3 MW per container, can power a 50,000-tonne, 1,000-passenger cruise ship with two containers providing 6 MW.
Ricardo has made significant progress in hydrogen fuel cell technology with the development of a multi-stack hydrogen fuel cell module that has achieved an impressive net electrical power output of 393 kW. This breakthrough showcases a high power density of 146 kWe/cubic metre and an efficiency of 4.0 kg/kWe, marking a milestone in clean energy solutions. The company attributes this success to its virtual engineering 'toolchain,' which streamlines the prototyping process and accelerates development timelines while reducing costs. The fuel cell module, originally part of the Sustainable Hydrogen Powered Shipping Horizon Europe project, is tailored for the maritime sector and promises zero emissions along with high energy output. By integrating fuel cell stacks from Elring-Klinger Plastic Omnium and systems from Ricardo, the module ensures superior power density and scalability, catering to energy requirements in maritime, stationary power generation, rail, and off-highway applications. Ricardo's dedication to innovation is further evident in their development of a containerised solution capable of delivering up to 3 MW per container, accompanied by onboard DC/DC power conversion. With just two containers, a total power output of 6 MW can efficiently power a large 50,000-tonne cruise ship with 1,000 passengers, emphasizing the practical and scalable nature of their hydrogen fuel cell technology.
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