SEMAPHORES

An ecological solution applied to the maritime sector for the production of hydrogen using solar radiation.

Presentation / information

Site concerned : Marseille
Project duration : July 2012 to March 2015

Objectives

Demonstrate that it is possible to develop a self-sufficient, environmentally-friendly technology package without the need for photovoltaic conversion.
Creation of a pilot hydrogen production, storage and use chain based on :

  1. the use of a photocatalyst,
  2. development of a storage tank,
  3. a fuel cell.

Phase 1 – Development :
Optimisation of photocatalytic material production,
Optimisation of the geometry of the photoelectrolysis cell,
Development of the hydride reservoir for storage.

Phase 2 – Construction of the pilot plant :
Manufacture of photoelectrolysis panels,
Interfacing the panels with the other components,
System control.

Phase 3 – Pilot performance study :
Daily measurements of operating parameters,
Assessment of total plant performance.

The role of ENSM

  1. Participation in development operations
  2. Pilot performance study :
    • Daily measurements of operating parameters,
    • Assessment of total plant efficiency.