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Abstract
Driven by recent IMO restrictions, “green” or zero emission onboard power trains are gaining ground every day. Hydrogen as a clean fuel for naval vessels, stands to be extensively adopted if efficient technologies for onboard generation mitigate the excessive space occupied by stored hydrogen. The authors of this study have
developed a land-based, retrofittable device named the OB HydraCel Bioelectrolyzer or HBE for on-site hydrogen gas generation by utilizing the chemical content of high-strength effluents. In this paper, the authors describe the present physical form, method of operation including performance parameters of the land-based HBE. The device currently treats effluents generated by the petrochemical industry and this paper demonstrates its value for naval vessels. The HBE, in its current iteration, performs its functions, by utilizing abioelectrochemical system, for the conversion of organic and inorganic matter in wastewater streams hydrogen gas. The technology differentiates itself from other electrochemical hydrogen production technologies by using specialized microbial communities for the simultaneous treatment and recycling of the effluents. For its maritime use, the authors have projected the hydrogen generation capacity of the HBE based on onboard effluents such as bilge water, sewage, operational washes and even ballast as potential feedstock. In partnership with the Indian Navy, processes for mitigating the challenges associated with transitioning the HBE from its current land-based form to one suitable for naval vessel deployment have also been discussed. Finally, the authors discuss the future applications of this device to enable improved EEDI for current vessels based on reduced carbon emissions and easing compliance with MEPC 107(49) regulations for maritime transport as a whole.
developed a land-based, retrofittable device named the OB HydraCel Bioelectrolyzer or HBE for on-site hydrogen gas generation by utilizing the chemical content of high-strength effluents. In this paper, the authors describe the present physical form, method of operation including performance parameters of the land-based HBE. The device currently treats effluents generated by the petrochemical industry and this paper demonstrates its value for naval vessels. The HBE, in its current iteration, performs its functions, by utilizing abioelectrochemical system, for the conversion of organic and inorganic matter in wastewater streams hydrogen gas. The technology differentiates itself from other electrochemical hydrogen production technologies by using specialized microbial communities for the simultaneous treatment and recycling of the effluents. For its maritime use, the authors have projected the hydrogen generation capacity of the HBE based on onboard effluents such as bilge water, sewage, operational washes and even ballast as potential feedstock. In partnership with the Indian Navy, processes for mitigating the challenges associated with transitioning the HBE from its current land-based form to one suitable for naval vessel deployment have also been discussed. Finally, the authors discuss the future applications of this device to enable improved EEDI for current vessels based on reduced carbon emissions and easing compliance with MEPC 107(49) regulations for maritime transport as a whole.