The Hydrogen Advantage: Francesco’s Insight

Francesco, one of the key engineers behind the project, shared his insights on the challenges and triumphs of creating a hydrogen-powered boat for the competition. "We compete in an international challenge—the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge," Francesco explains. "It’s a big challenge to integrate a fuel cell in the nautical sector. This comes with a lot of difficulties, especially when considering the environment: wind, humidity, and weight all play a role. But we are very proud of what we have achieved. We’ve created the lightest hydrogen-based boat in the history of the challenge."

The team's boat finished first in the hydrogen boat category and eighth overall in a competition that included some of the world's most elite engineering institutions. But the victory was not without its hurdles.

 

Overcoming Challenges with Innovation

Fuel cells, while offering clean energy, are not without their limitations, particularly when it comes to space and weight. Francesco detailed some of the key adjustments they made to the H-3000 fuel cell provided by Horizon Educational, a leading supplier of fuel cells to educational institutions. "One of the big adjustments we had to make was rethinking the control system of the fuel cell. The Horizon controller is fantastic—safe and reliable—but it wasn't the perfect fit for our boat’s space constraints. The cables were a little too short, and the weight was more than we wanted. So, we designed our own control system. We managed to reduce the weight and improve the boat's overall performance."

Another significant change was in the boat’s ventilation system. "The H-3000 comes with four fans, which are great for lab conditions but too heavy for our boat. We replaced the fans with lighter ducts, saving weight without compromising functionality."

The Race: A Test of Endurance and Skill

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge consists of several races designed to test different aspects of the boat's performance, including endurance, maneuverability, and speed. Gabrille, another team member, explained the structure of the competition.

"There are four main races. The most important for hydrogen is the endurance race, a four-hour test where you have to complete as many laps as possible on a water circuit. There's also a race that tests the pilot’s skills and a head-to-head race between two boats."

The endurance race is particularly challenging because it requires teams to manage their energy consumption very carefully. To excel, the team developed an algorithm for their onboard computer that helped the boat optimize its power usage throughout the race.

"The algorithm tells the driver to go at a specific speed to maximize efficiency," Gabrille explained. "It’s an exciting challenge because the race lasts four hours, and the algorithm ensures that the energy storage system is used as efficiently as possible."

The Personal Side of the Experience

For Francesco, this year’s race marked his first time participating in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, and it left a lasting impression.

"They told me beforehand that this would be one of the best experiences of my life, and they were right," he said. "The adrenaline you feel before a race is incredible. You work for a whole year, sometimes longer, on a single project, and when race day comes, everything has to work perfectly for four hours straight. It’s a nerve-wracking experience, but when the race is over, it’s also an unforgettable one."

Beyond the race itself, the event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. "There are teams from all over the world, and you get to see what other people have built, how they solved problems, and exchange ideas. It’s a fantastic learning experience."

A Look Ahead

As Francesco and his team look toward the future, they are optimistic about the role hydrogen will play in sustainable energy, particularly in the maritime sector. Despite the challenges, their success in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is a testament to the potential of hydrogen technology.

"Hydrogen has a huge advantage in heavy applications, especially for larger boats. But with this project, we’ve shown that it can also be lightweight and competitive in smaller applications. We believe hydrogen can be a game-changer, not just in maritime, but in many sectors."

Their innovative boat, the lightest hydrogen-powered vessel in the competition’s history, stands as proof that hydrogen technology is not only viable but can also lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for nautical transportation. The team’s journey—from design and testing to their triumphant race—demonstrates the incredible potential of hydrogen power and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

The Competitive Edge: Lighter and More Efficient

The competition's rules pushed teams to optimize every element of their boats, from energy storage to weight distribution. Francesco's team not only created the lightest hydrogen-powered boat but even managed to outstrip battery-powered competitors in terms of weight.

 

About the Team Members

Francesco Colla is an Electrical Engineering student at the Polytechnic University of Milan (PoliMi), with a strong passion for sustainability and multidisciplinary innovation. While his university studies provide a solid theoretical foundation, he is particularly driven by the opportunity to apply his knowledge in practical, hands-on projects.

Over a year ago, he joined Physis PEB, a student team at PoliMi, dedicated to building the most efficient hybrid boat for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, a prestigious competition held in Monte Carlo. He initially joined as an electrical specialist, responsible for cabling the electrical system and designing the electronic boxes of the boat. He later advanced to the role of Electrical Technical Director, where he now oversees all aspects of the hydrogen, electrical, and electronic systems.

Gabriele Defendini is a Mechanical Engineering student at the Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi). His passion for mechanics was ignited during his childhood, when he spent countless hours in the workshop with his grandfather Marino and father Luigi. As the years passed, this passion only grew stronger and, driven by the dream of creating something of his own and eager to apply the theoretical knowledge gained throughout his studies, he joined Physis PEB since its foundation.

Physis PEB is a student team at the Politecnico di Milano focused on building a hybrid propulsion boat in the most innovative and sustainable way possible to compete in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, a prestigious event held in Monte Carlo. Initially, he was responsible for designing the CAD models of all the prototype’s components, FEM simulations, and 3D printing. After a year, he was promoted to Mechanical Technical Director, a role in which he now oversees the entire structural design of the vessel, as well as the engine, transmission, and propulsion systems.