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Fuel cell system experiences forces of 7G
Voller Energy has released further technical data from the engineering trials carried out on their prototype Emerald fuel cell during the 2007 annual transatlantic yacht race, the ARC Rally. An accelerometer (measuring acceleration in G units) was carried onboard Voller Energy’s Emerald yacht over the 3,000 nautical mile passage from Lisbon via Gran Canaria to St Lucia in order to collect a range of data for analysis in the UK-based Voller Energy laboratory. Data across a range of very extreme conditions from storm force winds to becalmed periods was measured every 30 seconds; monitoring angle of heal, pitching bow to aft of the boat and vertical upward and downward movement. Raw data from when the fuel cell switched itself on was plotted against the g force of the boat. The findings show that the boat and Emerald fuel cell prototype withstood a maximum g force of 7 G while at sea. The forces exerted on the fuel cell were as a series of short sharp shocks, attributed to the high winds experienced in the 2007 ARC Rally. Mark Tilley, Marine Specialist at Voller Energy and ARC Rally Skipper, said: “The prototype fuel cell withstood some very testing offshore conditions shown by the analysis of our data. The Voller Energy team are happy with the engineering trials of the fuel cell and respect the benefits which the fuel cell provided during the trip offering increased power availability. The prototype has exceeded our expectations in an offshore environment.” During the St Lucia stopover Voller Energy tested out air conditioning units under tropical conditions and proved that smaller units than those traditionally fitted to 40 foot yachts can adequately cool the interior. Leading boat builders are already moving towards use of smaller, more efficient air-conditioning systems at an average 9000 Btu for a yacht of 40 feet. The Emerald fuel cell system can efficiently cope with the power supply demand for a 9000 Btu air-conditioning system. Voller Energy is very confident in continuing their development into the greener power solution in the marine industry. |
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