Estudio sobre la viabilidad de la aplicación de pilas de combustible en sistemas de propulsión de barcos pequeños.

Abstract

The present research focuses on evaluating the feasibility of applying fuel cells in small ship propulsion systems as a sustainable alternative to traditional internal combustion systems. Hydrogen fuel cells have gained attention due to their ability to generate clean energy with minimal emissions, which contributes significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of shipping. The study examines the operating principles of fuel cells, focusing on their energy efficiency and application and performance compared to conventional internal combustion engines. It also analyzed the environmental advantages, such as the elimination of CO 2 emissions and other pollutants and identified the technical and application challenges for their adoption, also analyzing the economic costs such as production and assembly costs, the durability of the stacks in adverse maritime conditions. Pilot project studies and case studies of fuel cell applications that have demonstrated the feasibility of fuel cells on ships are analyzed, along with a comparison of fuel cells with other propulsion technologies. The research study concludes that, although fuel cells have significant potential to transform marine propulsion towards a greener and more efficient option, their longterm viability depends on their more consistent application and technological advances, a reduction in costs and the development of an adequate supply infrastructure. The study highlights the importance of encouraging the adoption of this technology in the maritime sector, envisioning a future in which fuel cells could play a key role in the sustainability of shipping.