Project start: 1.10.2025.

Global warming as a result of the use of fossil fuels is a very important and current problem. It is being addressed by various methods, from legal regulation of reducing fossil fuel consumption to the improvement of alternative means of obtaining energy. All these methods can be combined under the term decarbonization of the energy system.

One of the main devices that plays a major role in this process is the fuel cell. It is characterized by a number of advantages such as the use of renewable energy sources, low (or zero) emissions of harmful substances, high efficiency, quiet and reliable operation. Despite this, they are not widespread in energy systems and their use is hindered by many unknowns. The goal of this project is to deepen knowledge about fuel cells and disseminate this knowledge in the academic community, among students and scientists, but also among entrepreneurs and designers from the region. A number of companies involved in marine engineering and shipbuilding operate in the vicinity of Rijeka. Contacts would be established and the possibilities of using these devices would be explored with designers of ship systems and representatives of shipyards. Contacts would also be made with companies involved in the production and processing of materials in order to explore the possibility of producing components and parts of fuel cells and supporting systems.

First of all, it is necessary to increase understanding of all aspects of these devices. The first phase envisages the procurement of equipment such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, measuring equipment for testing their performance and safety equipment. Materials for the production of fuel cell prototypes and tools for their processing would also be procured. The second phase would involve experimental testing, analysis of results and development of computer simulations. In parallel, the third phase would begin, which involves the dissemination of the results obtained through teaching materials for students, meetings with entrepreneurs, lectures, publication of scientific papers and organization of a conference.