Advancing Sustainable Propulsion Solutions for Maritime Applications: Numerical and Experimental Assessments of a Methanol HT-PEMFC System

Simona Di Micco (), Filippo Scamardella, Marco Altosole, Ivan Arsie and Mariagiovanna Minutillo
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Simona Di Micco: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy
Filippo Scamardella: Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80125 Naples, Italy
Marco Altosole: Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80125 Naples, Italy
Ivan Arsie: Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Naples, Italy
Mariagiovanna Minutillo: Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: The interest in analyzing alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies for shipping decarbonization is growing rapidly. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of high-temperature polymeric exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) fed by reformed methanol and their potential application as a propulsion system for vessels. The proposed system is intended to be installed on board a 10 m long ship, designed for commercial use in the marine area of Capri Island. Numerical and experimental analyses were performed to estimate the system’s performance, and a feasibility assessment was carried out to verify its real applicability on board the reference case study. From the numerical perspective, a CFD model of the ship hull, as well as a thermochemical model of the propulsion system, was developed. From the experimental point of view, the system behavior was tested by means of a dedicated test bench. The results of the numerical models allowed for the sizing of the propulsion system and the calculation of the fuel consumption. In particular, to satisfy the ship’s power demand, two 5 kW HT-PEMFCs were needed, with a total fuel consumption of 12.7 kg over a typical daily cruise, with a methanol consumption of 1.88 kg/h during cruising at 7 knots. The feasibility analysis highlighted that the propulsion system fits the vessel’s requirements, both in terms of volume and weight.

Keywords: methanol; hydrogen carriers; zero-emission vessels; shipping decarbonization; HT-PEMFC technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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