Energy solutions for the future
IRD A/S is an independent high technology company devoted to research, development and production of Fuel Cell components, Fuel Cells and Fuel Cell systems.
Clean and silent. One of IRD's electric boats (Photo: IRD)
IRD A/S is an independent, high technology company devoted to research, development and production of fuel cells, fuel cell components and fuel cell systems. The product range comprises both Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Technology (PEMFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Technology (DMFC) as well as R&D in other future technologies. As efficient energy converters, fuel cells represent the potential energy solution of the future - through generating electricity and heat by chemically combining oxygen from the air and hydrogen from a fuel source without combustion or pollution.
Electric boats
Electric boats are steadily growing in popularity within the maritime sector, due to the ever-increasing focus on environmental and noise pollution. Boats with conventional petrol or diesel motors are often banned from sailing in many scenic areas, including lakes and rivers, as well as in densely populated areas.
The market for electric boats specifically used for sailing in these areas is therefore a growing one. However, electric boats face the same challenge as electric cars, as the range of a single charge is limited, and it takes a relatively long time to recharge the batteries once they have been discharged. IRD Fuel Cell Technology A/S in Svendborg, Denmark, has now found a solution to this problem.
The company's latest development, a battery charger based on a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), can increase the range of a single charge to an almost indefinite degree. The fuel cell charger, which runs on methanol, charges with the aid of the boat's batteries, which are thus discharged to a lesser degree. As long as the battery charger charges at the same capacity as the boat's average consumption, the range of the boat will be dependent on the size of the methanol tank.
IRD is also involved in the Utsira project.
Further reading
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