A hydrogen solution for boating
The REXH2 (Range Extender Hydrogen) is a modular solution developed around Toyota's latest generation fuel cell. It reduces CO2 emissions on boats, eliminates fine particles and noise, while ensuring the propulsion and/or operation of on-board systems thanks to hydrogen.
This solution, tested on the Energy Observer - a hydrogen-powered vessel launched in April 2017 with the aim of completing a round-the-world voyage in total energy autonomy - is now integrated into a 40-foot open boat.
A 12 m dayboat with electro-hydrogen propulsion
The Hynova 40 is a 12 m boat designed by Chloé Zaied, founder and managing director of HYNOVA Yachts. This dayboat or superyacht dinghy is the first series production electro-hydrogen pleasure boat launched on the market. This boat, capable of accommodating up to 12 passengers, will sail without any emissions, in a totally silent manner thanks to its hybrid hydrogen electric technology.
To achieve this, the Hynova 40 is equipped with a latest-generation Toyota fuel cell, the T-Module, which can deliver up to 80 kW, supplemented by three 44 kW LiFePO (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) technology batteries designed by EVE Systems and approved for marine use, and two BorgWarner electric motors with a power output of 184 kW each (i.e. approximately 2 x 250 HP in diesel equivalent).
Thanks to this propulsion, the boat - whose light weight is 9 tons - will be able to reach the maximum speed of 22 knots and a recommended speed of 12 knots. On battery alone, the boat will be able to sail up to 8 n?uds?; at 6 knots, it will have a range of 69 miles, combining battery and battery.
Three hydrogen tanks
The electricity generated on board the Hynova 40 by the fuel cell is used directly to power the ship's propulsion chain via an electric motor. It is also stored in the batteries to power the propulsion and on-board systems as required.
The gaseous hydrogen gas that feeds the system is stored in compressed form, at 350 bars, in specially designed tanks installed outside the ship's structure for direct venting. In its first configuration, the Hynova 40 will have three tanks with a total capacity of 22.5 kg of hydrogen.
The system will be entirely managed by an automated Power Management System specifically developed by EODev, which will make it possible to calculate the remaining autonomy according to the anticipated use and average speed.
Hydrogen, the future of plaisance??
In addition to its very high energy density, hydrogen is of twofold interest: it is the most abundant molecule in the universe, and its combustion releases only water, oxygen and heat, which can be easily reused.
The combination of electric propulsion and hydrogen makes it possible - in addition to weight savings and therefore lower energy consumption - to manage requirements according to use.
