FlexFuel Energy Development (FFED) – from the end of 2016 to today – took more than four years to implement the high-motor. This R&D program, in partnership with the Directorate General of Ordnance (DGA) located in Toulon, aims to land large-power vessels with hydrogen. Translate by, clean the diesel engines of calamine – or soot – which turns them off just like the parts that make them …
A method for the DGA that financed 70% of the 700 K € of the initial project [il s’est finalement élevé à plus de 2,5M€, la différence étant prise en charge par FFED] To move forward in its long-term strategy of clean, affordable, safe and intelligent ships and ports,
FFED, which has its head office in Sofia Antipolis and office in Paris, relies on its expertise in engine pollution for industrial vehicles (SNCF locomotives, river shuttles, etc.). Its solution, without ecological and chemical additives, involves injecting hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water into the intake. This has the effect of reducing fuel consumption, extending the life of mechanical parts and making the engine less polluting.
made in France
Although the project was delayed due to a health crisis, the company has been successful in transferring its technology to high-powered engines of civilian and military ships: “We had to unload an engine in a military port environment and overcome the obstacle of the production and use of large amounts of hydrogen, Says Sebastian Le Pols, president of FFED. Kovid did not allow us to test on naval warships, but we did experiments on the riverboats in Paris and some private boats on the Côte d’Azur. “
the result is “High-Motor Demonstrator, a mobile cleaning and maintenance unit that produces large amounts of hydrogen without any risk to humans, discharging harmful products into the environment and isolating the engine”, Proudly proclaims the leader. Simply, this means that 30% less pollutants, a maintenance cost is also reduced by 30% and -12% fuel consumption.
Specifications completed for DGA are not mentioned!
“We are the only French company to develop and patent our technology, Resumed the president of FFED. In this case, an AEM (ion exchange membrane) that produces hydrogen by electrolysis in high yields and high purity. “
Independent civil laboratory inaris [Laboratoire national de l’Environnement industriel et des Risques, ndlr] The safety and production process of high-motor is validated.
This new technological brick will allow SMEs to attack new markets such as boating and obtain new sources of income. “At the end of 2020, we signed a partnership contract with Six-Fournis Affinor Mediterranean, which specializes in naval maintenance. Hydrogen descaling on Scotland’s fleet of ten fishing vessels made it possible to avoid the release of 900 tons Has generated. Of CO2 and € 259,880 in fuel savings per year “, Confirms Sebastian Le Polace who hopes to conclude new agreements with other shipyards.
Is contracting with DGA? “It’s more difficult: she can’t order directly with us because we’re not a Level 1 supplier.”
A factory in the south?
High-motor exhibitors also open up the industrial possibilities they worry about. “Storage, renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.), mobility with service stations, treatment of fertilizers, metals, etc.”
Keeping this in mind, the president of FFED has created a spin-off: GEN-HY “To whom we have transferred all the technology. Instead of purchasing hydrogen cylinders which are very expensive, we offer our customers to have their own electrolysis system on site, which will allow them to split the cost of production by two or three. . “ Before reaching there, they still have to build their own 14,000 m2 factory. And it is in the south that he wants to establish it. “We are just at the beginning of the adventure”, He assures.
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