Hydrogen on board
Power at its best
Application
Hydrogen on board is an initiative of Koedood and Kooiman Marine Group. The K2 hydrogen container is a 20-foot container containing the technology to convert hydrogen into electrical energy. The container can be used for various purposes, including the propulsion of (inland shipping) ships and trains, but can also be used to meet the energy needs of homes and industry.
The use of the K2 hydrogen container is efficient, completely safe and also emission-free. It is therefore a particularly interesting alternative to the use of traditional fossil fuels.
Engineering
The K2 hydrogen container uses so-called PEM fuel cells. These fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity. The hydrogen is stored in compressed form using hydrogen tanks and o‑ered to the system. In this way, a total of about 300 kWe of power is created in the PEM fuel cells. In the process, after the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, the only waste product from the fuel cell is created: water. The whole system is modular, meaning the compressed hydrogen tanks and fuel cells are separate units that can be easily removed for maintenance or replacement.
Progress
The K2 hydrogen container with which hydrogen can be realized on board is a collaboration between Koedood and Kooiman Marine Group. Currently, the development of the K2 hydrogen container is in full swing and the first prototype will be available in November. Follow the most important developments in our overview below.
FAQ
- What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Under normal circumstances it is gaseous and we speak of hydrogen gas (H2). Hydrogen is also the lightest gas we know, but under high pressure it has a high energy density of 120 megajoules (MJ) per kg. That is almost three times as much as natural gas (45 MJ per kg). However, pressurizing (compressing) hydrogen gas also costs the necessary energy (about 10%).
- Is hydrogen dangerous?
- Is hydrogen sustainable?
Yes! Hydrogen is a clean fuel, because when burned, only water (vapour) is released, and it can be made from water and (sustainable) electricity. It is also a sustainable raw material, for example for plastics. That is why hydrogen can play an important role in making our economy more sustainable in the future.
- What role does hydrogen play in the energy transition?
In our current energy mix, approximately 20% is supplied in the form of electricity and 80% in the form of natural gas or liquid fossil fuels (petrol, diesel). This will change significantly in the near future due to our climate objectives. The share of electricity produced by wind and solar will increase sharply. For a number of applications such as heavy transport, high temperature processes in industry and in aviation, there is not yet a good electrical solution and there is still a need for a sustainable gas. Hydrogen can play a useful role here. In addition, hydrogen is important in the form of large-scale storage for when it is windless and cloudy.