The Elire Floating Hydrogen Powerhub is designed to achieve zero vessel emissions while moored alongside or at mid-stream locations. Realization of this objective will expedite the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in port environments and enhance air quality in adjacent areas.
This grid-independent, shore-adjacent solution is powered by hydrogen delivered by vessel, thereby obviating the necessity for the construction of high-pressure hydrogen pipelines or the execution of truck deliveries through port or densely populated areas. The Powerhub is capable of providing electrical services to multiple users, including cruise vessels, riverine passenger and freight vessels, and port work boats. The deployment of this solution facilitates the full electrification of riverine and port traffic, and the elimination of marine greenhouse gas emissions within ports.
The Powerhub employs a safe, low-pressure hydrogen storage system to supply a compact, low-noise generation system that provides a continuous trickle charge to a substantial battery array. The battery array is designed to accommodate the short-term, high-capacity power demands of vessel consumers. In instances where shore power connections are available, the Elire Floating Hydrogen Powerhub can provide power for the electrification of port handling equipment and last-mile freight delivery vehicles, as well as offering services to the grid to support the integration of renewable energy sources into the network.
The electrical system features a modular design, enabling alternative user power requirements to be met at diverse locations without necessitating a complete redesign of the power system. The Smarthub platform, developed by Elire, supports the power system and can be augmented with additional hubs to provide increased capacity.
The Powerhub system incorporates the requisite cable handling systems for high-voltage cables between vessels and shore electrical supplies, which account for vessel movement at the berth.
The intended initial deployment location for the Powerhub is at Greenwich, complementing the planned Smarthub project. The Smarthub project will provide a mid-stream mooring and passenger transfer facility intended to replace the existing "welcome barge" solution. The Hydrogen Floating Powerhub project will utilize additional floating hubs, similar in design to the Smarthub but capable of supporting the substantial weight of the power system on deck. The modular nature of the Smarthub solution allows for the safe separation of the Powerhub systems from the passenger environment, while remaining physically connected to the Smarthub to facilitate staff access and mooring.