Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered AUV Completes 2,000-Kilometer Subsea Mission

Cellula Robotics announced that its Envoy autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has successfully completed a subsea mission exceeding 2,000 kilometers while powered by a hydrogen fuel cell system, surpassing the vehicle's published performance specifications.

The mission lasted 385 hours and required the vehicle to execute over 4,000 turns and maneuvers, consuming more energy than steady linear travel and better reflecting real-world underwater operating conditions. The hydrogen fuel cell system produced water as its only by-product.

According to Cellula Robotics CEO Neil Manning, the achievement's significance extends beyond distance traveled: "The endurance is meaningful for operators, with the potential for fewer recoveries, more continuous operations, and greater efficiency offshore."

The hydrogen fuel cell technology was developed in collaboration with Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. William Smith, President & CEO of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc., stated that the result demonstrates fuel cell technology's capability to extend endurance, reduce intervention requirements, and enable longer-range autonomous missions in subsea operations.

The extended range capability addresses operational challenges in offshore energy development where extended mission duration reduces the need for vehicle recovery and redeployment.

Originally reported by Offshore Energy. Read the full article →