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TESEO


The project activities and tasks (ORs) are addressed to the integration on-board of boats of new energy technologies characterized by high efficiency and low environmental impact.
In this regard, different types of boats are individuated to demonstrate the application feasibility of such technologies. These include mega-yacht, yacht, sailing and fishing boats. In parallel, new technologies with strong innovation character, specifically dedicated to the naval field, will be developed for the medium and long term application. The demonstration on board of new energy technologies will be supported by structural and engineering studies of boat requirements supported by appropriate energetic analysis.

For the several systems addressed in the project plan, specific testing protocols will be identified and applied. Appropriate subsystems will be designed for every technology. Task OR1 deals with boats characterized by small and intermediate size, such as yachts and sailing boats. An on-board polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack with power output up to 50 kW will be demonstrated. Moreover, both hybrid and pure electrical engines will be investigated. For the energy storage systems, ZEBRA batteries, characterized by high energy density, as well as a hydrogen storage device will be demonstrated. The hydrogen will be generated through electrolyzers fed with any on-board generated electrical energy surplus. The impact of such new energy technologies on the boat will be also estimated in terms of space, weight and inhabitation requirements through structural, engineering and energetic studies. Specific attention will be addressed to renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind energy micro-generators to assure sustainability and energy efficiency. Moreover new methodologies for on board integration of renewable power sources will be studied and optimized for the supply of electrical energy to small-size auxiliaries.

For the electrical propulsion of large boats, task OR2 deals with development and demonstration of an electrical generator with an output DC power up to 210 kW. The system will comprise a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack, an electrical storage device (batteries) and properly designed hydrogen tanks compatible with present safety regulations. Demonstration will concern with both the full generator and relative sub-systems. Particular attention will be addressed to the system modularity in order to allow a technology transfer to boats of different size or characterized by other energetic requirements. A study of ties related to the present safety regulations will be carried out with the aim to establish the guidelines of a new regulation addressing proper safety rules concerning with the use of new energy technologies on-board and the certification.

For the development of a prototype of a fishing boat characterized by high efficiency and low environmental impact (OR4), new fluido-dynamic solutions will be searched with regard to both hull and structure of the boat. The aim is to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. In parallel, an optimization of the propulsion system will be carried out by using alternative configurations consisting in a different degree of hybridization between the thermal and electrical engines. Recently developed technologies for reduction of polluting emissions, such as “particulate filters” characterized by a high degree of innovation, will be demonstrated with reference to their adequacy to work in combination with diesel engines of heavy impact such as those presently used on fishing boats. New promising energy technologies which have not yet reached the level of either commercialization or prototyping will be specifically developed in task OR5 for naval application.

These technologies concern with new generation hydrogen-fed polymer electrolyte fuel cells for the marine propulsion, diesel-fed solid oxide fuel cells including a dedicated external reformer with specific application for the supply of electrical energy to on-board auxiliaries, renewable energy conversion systems such as third generation solar cells and new energy storage devices based on unitized regenerative fuel cells. For the recovery of on-board available refuse heat, an innovative adsorption heat pump system will be developed for air conditioning of inhabited areas on board of ships.

Costs

Total: € 15.088.936

Research: € 10.542.997
Development: € 3.609.839
Education: € 936.100

Partners

University of Palermo
University of Messina
University of Catania
Fincantieri Cantieri Tringali
CTMI  
CNR (ITAE, IAMC, ISMN, IPCF, ISSIA, IM)