Fuel cell powered sailboats?

[Amgine]

A.G.O. Environmental Electronics is experimenting with a fuel cell powered sailboat. Victoria News reported on the initial tests, which were somewhat disappointing. The initial predictions hoped for a high-end output of 6 kts, but actual results were 1.5 kts from a 300 watt Horizon fuel cell set up. (Image below)

Although the resulting speed was dramatically less than predicted, no discussion is presented regarding the actual motor used. Maybe it was a trolling motor? I remember reading about a German or Danish couple who were cruising with an inboard electric motor system solely powered by solar and wind generators, so it a more aggressive power plant might resolve the problem.

On the third hand... who cares about powering with electricity? what about just for electrical generation?

[knottybuoyz]

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Marine Fuel Cell

I seem to remember the Cdn Coast Guard did an R&D project a few years ago with the Ballard fuel cells they use to power commuter bus's. Don't think it worked out too well.

[Pblais]

300 watts is almost enough to feel something but not excited.

[Efraim]

Fuel cells are a good idea, but aren't quite there yet, at least for the guy on the street.

The big issues with fuel cells are:
- upfront cost
- you need a source of hydrogen
- longevity.

Fuel cells can produce as much electricity as one would need, at a cost.
The stacks will deteriorate as time goes by, which means you have to pretty much buy new fuel cells, big$$. The longest I've heard a stack last is 5 years, that isn't a long time considering the cost. Maybe they last longer now, however I doubt much longer.

And those little electric motors for the cooling fans, as shown in the picture above, how long do think they will last in a marine environment?

[jscott]

Hydrogen ??? on a boat???

They do sell a C3 powered fuel cell, but it is only about 15% efficiency less than most internal combustion engines.

My inverter to charge all the electrical gizmos is 140 W.

Sorry needs work.

My cabin has 2X110W and a 1X85 watt solar panel, they can't quite keep up to an efficienct fridge, with day to day lighting etc.

[44'cruisingcat]

I thought sailboats were wind powered?

[mikereed100]

300 watts would produce less than 1/2 horsepower, even assuming a 100% efficient system. I'm surprised they expected 6 knots but you have to admire their optimism!

[coot]

Originally Posted by mikereed100

300 watts would produce less than 1/2 horsepower, even assuming a 100% efficient system. I'm surprised they expected 6 knots but you have to admire their optimism!

If they really expected to achieve 6 knots, you might admire their optimism, but perhaps not their engineering skills.