Bramble Energy has achieved a major milestone in boatbuilding history with the launch of the world's first H2-electric boat powered by printed circuit board fuel cells (PCBFC).
The fuel cell system is capable of providing the vessel with a range of around 600 miles, using 14kg of H2 stored on board and additional energy from solar panels on the roof of the vessel to a 22kWh battery system.
Dr. Tom Mason, CEO of Bramble Energy, said: " CO2 emissions in the marine sector are staggering. In a short space of time we have designed, developed, built and commercialized PCB-based fuel cell PCBFC technology for marine applications."
The technology utilizes materials and manufacturing methods common in the PCB industry. However, its basis is a traditional PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell, MEC (membrane-electrode assembly). The PCBFC is manufactured in a multitude of form factors.
Following the successful integration of the fuel cell unit into the boat, it has completed a comprehensive testing program on UK inland waterways. Now at the H2 Advanced Innovation Centre in Crawley, the Bramble Energy team will analyze the boat's data, as well as important information about the fuel cell performance under real-world conditions. This analysis will help future PCBFC development for wider marine applications.
Dr. Tom Mason, CEO of Bramble Energy, said: " CO2 emissions in the marine sector are staggering. In a short space of time we have designed, developed, built and commercialized PCB-based fuel cell PCBFC technology for marine applications."
The technology utilizes materials and manufacturing methods common in the PCB industry. However, its basis is a traditional PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell, MEC (membrane-electrode assembly). The PCBFC is manufactured in a multitude of form factors.
Following the successful integration of the fuel cell unit into the boat, it has completed a comprehensive testing program on UK inland waterways. Now at the H2 Advanced Innovation Centre in Crawley, the Bramble Energy team will analyze the boat's data, as well as important information about the fuel cell performance under real-world conditions. This analysis will help future PCBFC development for wider marine applications.