Storing renewable energy in chemicals, like hydrogen, can bring various benefits like high energy density, seasonal storability, possible cost reduction of the final product, and the potential to let renewable power penetrate other markets and to overcome their intermittent availability. In the last year’s production of this gas from renewable energy sources via electrolysis has grown its reputation as one feasible solution to satisfy future zero-emission energy demand. To extend the exploitation of Renewable Energy Source (RES), small-scale conversion plants seem to be an interesting option. In view of a possible widespread adoption of these types of plants, the authors intend to present the experimental characterization of a small-scale hydrogen production and storage plant. The considered experimental plant is based on an alkaline electrolyser and an air-driven hydrogen compression and storage system. The results show that the hydrogen production-specific consumption is, on average, 77 kWh/kgH₂. The hydrogen compressor energy requirement is, on average, 15 kWh/kgH₂ (data referred to the driving compressed air). The value is higher than data found in literature (4.4–9.3 kWh/kgH₂), but the difference can be attributed to the small size of the considered compressor and the choice to limit the compression stages.

Data analysis of vessels routes show that shipping is responsible of about 2,6% of world CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions. The effect on environment is increased as most of the emissions are concentrated in coastal areas. IMO and other bodies are making growing efforts to impose severe limits on shipping pollutions. Different technical and operational improvements have been made but hydrogen and fuel cells remain one of the best candidates to substantially reduce emissions and fuel consumption. This paper gives an updated review of the fuel cells applications in the marine sector and analyses the potential of different fuel cells technology for the on board installation. The analysis shows the advantages that fuel cells can give in terms of emissions reductions and fuel saving. The benefits are dependent on the type of ship and the operating profiles. Nevertheless, even if some fuel cells types are today ready for marine application, costs, hydrogen availability and certifications issues still hamper the full exploitation of the technology.

High temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell based on polybenzimidazole polymer (PBI) and phosphoric acid, can be operated at temperature between 120°C and 180°C. Reactants humidification is not required and CO content up to 1% in fuel can be tolerated, affecting only marginally performance. This is what makes HTPEM fuel cells very attractive, as low quality reformed hydrogen can be used and water management problems are avoided. This paper aims to present the preliminary experimental results obtained on a HTPEM fuel cell fed with LPG using a compact steam reformer. The analysis focus on the reformer start up transient, on the influence of the steam to carbon ratio on reformate CO content and on the single fuel cell performance at different operating conditions. By analyzing the mass and energy balances of the fuel processor, fuel cell system, and balance-of-plant, a previously developed system simulation model has been used to provide critical assessment on the conversion efficiency for a 1 kWel system. The current study attempts to extend the previously published analyses of integrated HTPEM fuel cell systems.