How is that for full circle: a hydrogen-powered boat that uses, sails on, and produces water as it floats around the oceans and seas. Props to Hynova, the French company that is now building a 12-meter long yacht that is fully powered by electric batteries as well as hydrogen fuel cells.
Hydrogen Boat Uses, Sails On, And Produces Water
The Hynova 40 is the prototype of their premise. Initially, it was scheduled to be introduced to the general public at this year’s Cannes International Yachting Festival. As for so many other things, the coronavirus, unfortunately, disrupted those plans. Despite that setback, the company is still full-steam ahead on the production and promotion, working hard in its shipyard in La Ciotat, at the Mediterranean coast.
The battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology used in this floating hallmark of technology were initially designed for the automobile industry. Now, they are developed so far that the boat is capable of running either on its batteries or on the hydrogen fuel cells. You can take your pick.
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There are two different configurations. The first boasts two 150 kW engines, which will get you a cruising speed of 15 knots (28 km/h) alongside a maximum speed of 25 knots (47 km/h). If you like to get some more juice, you may opt for the second version, with two 210 kW engines, powered by three batteries and two fuel cells, for a cruising speed of 20 knots (38 km/h) and a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 km/h).
It is a smart move to combine electric batteries with hydrogen fuel cells. The French government, for one, is a strong supporter of the use of hydrogen, in particular for shipping. And while hydrogen fuelling stations are rare, the electric batteries would sure make up for this - to last you while more and more hydrogen stations are being built. A win-win, you might say.
Before you go!
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