Conceptual design of an LOHC-based hydrogen supply system for marine applications

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Abstract

The maritime sector’s shift toward low-carbon propulsion demands energy carriers with high storage density, safety, and shipboard compatibility. Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) provide a promising option by enabling hydrogen storage in a stable liquid phase under ambient conditions. This work develops the conceptual design and first-principles modelling framework of an LOHC-based hydrogen supply chain for marine applications. The model captures the complete LOHC-to-fuel-cell pathway, including LOHC storage, catalytic dehydrogenation, hydrogen buffering, thermal integration, and fuel-cell utilization. The storage subsystem incorporates thermodynamic properties, mass-flow relations, and tank-volume balances. A core contribution is the theoretical formulation of the dehydrogenation reactor using reaction-order kinetics, Arrhenius temperature dependence, and coupled molar and mass balances. Phase-dependent logic differentiates filling, reaction, and discharge modes. Additional modules include gas-phase buffer-tank thermodynamics, idealized combustion and thermal-loop balances, and an electrochemical fuel-cell model. This modular theoretical framework supports future MBSE development and integration of LOHC-based marine energy systems.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInnovations in Maritime Technology and Engineering
EditorsC. Guedes Soares, F.C. Salvado
PublisherCRC Press
Pages647-653
Number of pages7
Volume1
Edition1
ISBN (electronic)978-1-003-79549-0
ISBN (print)978-1-041-33370-8
Publication statusPublished - 26 May 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesProceedings in Marine Technology and Ocean Engineering

Conference

Title8th International Conference on Maritime Technology and Engineering
Abbreviated titleMARTECH 2026
Conference number8
Duration27 - 29 May 2026
Website
LocationIST Congress Centre
CityLisbon
CountryPortugal

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-1370-064X/work/215162420
ORCID /0000-0001-5186-3955/work/215164701
ORCID /0000-0002-3489-4749/work/215164985

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals