Ammonia as an Alternative Fuel on a Mega-Yacht: An Analysis of Case Studies Using Different Fuel Cell Technologies

To meet the aim of emission reduction and decarbonization, the study of alternatives to traditional fuels and thermal machines is increasing, in favour of new technologies, such as Fuel Cells (FCs) and batteries, and the use of innovative fuels, such as methanol, hydrogen and ammonia. In this study, the possibility of using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for FCs has been investigated. In particular, both direct ammonia-fueled FCs (SOFC, AFC) and indirectly fueled FCs (PEMFC) have been considered. The case study of a 64 m length mega-yacht has been considered and the effects of the installation on board of these new technologies on the general arrangements have been evaluated. Different power configurations are proposed to allow both a hybrid and fully electric propulsion to reach zero-emission conditions. A fuel control strategy is also proposed to support the wide load variation.