Technology
Proprietary Solution
HB Marine's proprietary technology consists of the integration of several "clean energy" technologies in marine applications. These technologies include the combination of solar panels, wind turbines, regenerative electric drive motors, electrolyzers, water purification units, safe hydrogen storage, and hydrogen power plants (fuel cells and combustion engines). Individually, all of these components are supplied and supported by major manufacturers and, collectively, these integrated components enable a system that will purify seawater to better than drinking standards, use grid or onboard renewable electricity to liberate hydrogen atoms from the water, store the hydrogen safely onboard and utilize the hydrogen as a fuel source to create electricity as needed for power and/or propulsion.
The proprietary technology works in the following way:
- Water (H2O) is obtained from wherever the vessel happens to be afloat. If necessary, it can also be obtained from a public utility; then,
- by means of an onboard water-maker device this H2O is processed (as needed) to the required level of purity; then,
- by means of an onboard electrolysis device, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen are produced from the water; then,
- the H2 is stored (tanked) onboard for use by one or more utilization methods.
- Internal combustion engines (ICEs), fuel cells† producing electricity, or a combination "hybrid" (e.g., generators powered by H2 fueled ICEs) generate electricity; then
- the electricity is used to propel the vessel via an electric motor or power other auxiliary loads.
- In addition, when the tanks are full, excess electricity produced by the solar panels and/or wind generator(s) can be sold back to the utility grid via shore connections.
Intellectual Property
HB Marine is well under way to creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the hydrogen-marine market. HB Marine has already developed intellectual property rights, strong public branding, supplier and distributor relationships, and advanced a learning curve.
HB Marine’s intellectual property offers a first barrier against competition. The company’s U.S. Patent 6,610,193 covers 88 claims related to hydrogen generation and usage on marine vessels. This patent is critical to the fundamental operation of HB Marine vessels and provides a strong barrier to competition in itself. International patents are currently pending. Continuing to develop intellectual property and accelerate a learning curve related hydrogen technologies in the marine market is a core effort of HB Marine. The company is currently working with world-class leaders in the hydrogen and technology integration fields. HB Marine has been diligent about maintaining confidentiality and intellectual property rights in its dealings with these partner companies.
In addition to creating intellectual property, HB Marine is developing the commercial channels for delivery of hydrogen solutions to its maritime customers. Either on its own, or through licensing arrangements, HB Marine intends to service all of the needs in the marketplace to prevent creating opportunities for entrants. In developing commercial channels HB Marine is demonstrating the value of new technologies to customers and at the same time is preparing its suppliers to properly address the market. HB Marine’s position is likely to change among different segments in the market depending on customer and supplier needs. At this time HB Marine is prepared to assume the roles of equipment validation and integration, distribution, installation, and aftermarket support and is flexible to license some or all of these roles.
Modular Design for Marine Applications
The specific sizing and configuration of the equipment above depends largely on the specific marine application. The following are examples of solutions plausible today:
Sailboat solution – all power systems are hydrogen-based. Hydrogen production is possible from the grid and renewable sources.
Powerboat and houseboat solution – propulsion is still diesel driven; however, traditional gasoline and diesel powered electricity generators (gensets) for auxiliary power are replaced by a hydrogen system as are outboard motors for tenders. Hydrogen is generated from renewables, alternator engine power, and grid connection.
Fishing solution – similar to the powerboat solution, propulsion is still diesel or even gasoline driven and traditional gensets for auxiliary power are replaced by a hydrogen system, as are outboard motors for tenders. However, in addition, an electric trolling motor is powered by the auxiliary hydrogen power to enhance fishing performance. Hydrogen is generated from renewables, alternator engine power, and grid connection.
Harbor patrol / water taxi solution – due to a low load and limited range requirements, a hydrogen system may replace all traditional power needs for a water taxi or a harbor patrol boat. Hydrogen is generated from renewables, grid connection, and possibly a dockside hydrogen production unit.
Military Applications
In addition to the recreational and commercial marine markets, HB Marine’s hydrogen systems offer new solutions to the scientific and military markets. Sea transport is expected to compose 24% of all military fuel cell work. Because fuel can be generated on board with renewable sources, an unmanned vessel can stay at sea for very long periods of time. Applications of Long Endurance Naval Surveillance, or LENS™ (a HB Marine trademark), typically include mapping, collecting ambient sea data, monitoring locations and scouting.
Commercial Applications
With commercial marine markets, HB Marine's systems offer the ability to use hydrogen for auxiliary power and as a supplement to the diesel engines to improve fuel efficiency.
