The mission of the Norwegian Alma Clean Power to develop modularised solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems for marine applications has reached a pivotal moment with the 6kW unit, which serves as the first building block of a complete 100kW SOFC module.
The test validated the design of a Direct Ammonia Fuel Cell (DAFC) system and demonstrated an impressive electrical efficiency of 61-67%.
Bernt Skeie, CEO of Alma Clean Power, was proud of the team’s achievements in just over a year of system development. Alma Clean Power now holds the record for the highest power output demonstrated with direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells.
A key feature of Alma’s technology is the ability to feed ammonia directly into the fuel cell system, eliminating the need for energy-intensive pre-treatment to convert the fuel to hydrogen prior to power generation.
This approach delivers significantly higher efficiencies than conventional internal combustion engines, paving the way for economically viable ammonia-based marine power systems for ship owners.
Using green ammonia produced by renewable energy electrolysis, Alma Clean Power’s technology offers a carbon-free fuel solution with huge potential to decarbonise the maritime industry.
Rune Tveit, project manager at Alma Clean Power, was enthusiastic about the system’s stable operation and consistent power generation.
Testing will continue throughout the summer to fine-tune the setup and gain further insight before proceeding with the assembly and testing of a full 100 kW module, which will lay the foundation for larger vessel installations.
Alma’s SOFC system operates seamlessly around the clock, remotely monitored by a sophisticated safety and control system. These non-combustion modules, with no rotating parts, are ingeniously designed to operate autonomously, requiring minimal maintenance for extended intervals.
HGVs can also be fuelled by ammonia
The trucking industry has also been exploring the use of ammonia as a fuel for trucks. As we previously reported, Brooklyn-based manufacturer Amogy Inc announced in January 2023 that its ammonia-powered HGV, the world’s first, had successfully completed testing. The vehicle is seen as an alternative to conventional hydrogen fuel cells, thanks to ammonia’s higher energy density compared to hydrogen.
Amogy said that the truck was refuelled with ammonia for 8 minutes, which provides the vehicle with 900 kWh of total stored net electric energy. The lorry was then tested for several hours on the campus of Stony Brook University.