Umbilical Refueling and Methanol Storage for At Sea Environmental Monitoring Systems

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AXYS Technologies, a Canadian company engaged in designing, manufacturing and supplying remote environmental monitoring systems throughout the world, and Camosun College, a post-secondary institution located in Victoria BC, are collaborating on an applied research project that will result in the redesign an off shore umbilical connecting system and pump for refilling a methanol fuel cell buoy. The NOMAD buoy uses wind and solar power as its primary energy sources, with methanol fuel cells as a backup. The goal is to develop a new design of an umbilical re-fueling system to transfer methanol from the deck of a ship to the NOMAD buoy, while operating at sea. This project involves preliminary definition and scope articulation, iterative concept designs, specification of system components, and complying with applicable standards, including environmental requirements and occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations governed by Canadian, US and international regulators. Because methanol has a higher toxicity level than diesel fuel, safety of maintenance personnel and local environments are essential features of the project.