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Students Navigating The Hudson River With Hydrogen Fuel Cells

A group of ambitious Rensselaer students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future.

Their boat, the 22-foot New Clermont, is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units. With a crew of three, the ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21 and cruise at a cool 6 mph to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25. The group is planning to make several stops along the way, showing off their one-of-a-kind boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals, and talking about the many environmental and potential economic benefits of building out the nation’s hydrogen economy.

“At its core, the New Clermont Project is about awareness. It’s a fun way to teach people about hydrogen energy,” said doctoral student William Gathright, who founded the group in early 2009. “We’re high-tech environmentalists. We want to share our vision of a time when people can take a pleasure cruise on their boat, or drive to the store, without leaving a trail of pollution and toxins behind them. We hope to inspire and challenge them to think of ways of making that vision a reality.”

Gathright, a doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellow who is also pursuing a master’s degree in management from Rensselaer’s Lally School of Management & Technology, has assembled a volunteer team of undergraduate and graduate students from a wide spectrum of academic disciplines. New Clermont team members are not receiving any course credit for the project.

The first few months of the project entailed recruiting a team with skills and expertise in materials science and engineering, electrical and systems engineering, management, and communications. Their only physical asset, at first, was the boat itself – a forgotten, neglected vessel that Gathright promptly renamed the New Clermont. The 40-year-old sailboat is a Bristol 22, sometimes called a Bristol Caravel, and measures 22 feet from aft to bow.

Along with major repairs, maintenance, and scrubbing away two decades worth of grime, Gathright and cohorts used their engineering know-how to prep the New Clermont to hold and support a pair of fuel cell units. The units, which are GenDrive class 3 systems on loan to the students from Latham, N.Y.-based fuel cell developer Plug Power, each weigh about 500 pounds and stand three feet wide by three feet tall. The team used a crane to lift the units into the New Clermont and sit them on specially engineered, homemade mounts.

“This project, from beginning to end, has certainly been an exercise in creative problem solving,” Gathright said. “But you know what? We’re Rensselaer students. Innovating and problem solving is what we do best.”

The New Clermont’s fuel cell units run on compressed hydrogen gas. A special membrane within the fuel cell systems separates the hydrogen into electrons and protons. The protons pass through the membrane and the electrons travel around a circuit, which creates electricity. After passing through the membrane, the protons and electrons are exposed to oxygen from the ambient air, which results in the creation of water and a small amount of heat. The electrochemical process is entirely pollution-free. The fuel cells power a pair of motors mounted on the stern of the New Clermont. Team members modified the store-bought engines to accept input from the fuel cell units.

Along with boosting the visibility and public awareness of hydrogen, fuel cells, and green energy, the New Clermont Project is also a celebration of American ingenuity and the rich technological history of New York state and the Hudson River. The project and boat are named after and will closely mirror the route of the world’s first commercial steamboat, the Clermont, which renowned captain Robert Fulton sailed from New York to Albany in the first years of the 19th century – almost exactly 200 years ago.

The New Clermont Project also coincides with the 400-year anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic trek up what would eventually become the Hudson River.

“Just as Robert Fulton wanted to prove to the world that steam was a viable, economical means to power boats and unleash the economic potential of our waterways, we want to open people’s eyes to the viability of hydrogen and fuel cells as a way to power boats, and one day maybe even our cars, trucks, and homes,” said Lally School MBA student Leah Rollhaus, who helps lead the New Clermont Project.

The New Clermont Project had a busy summer, from participating in the annual Clearwater Festival to networking with the Capital Region and New York business communities to rally support and build a buzz around the September voyage. Along the way, the New Clermont Project also became a member group of the Rensselaer Student Sustainability Task Force, and joined ranks with the Institute’s Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship. The New Clermont will end its voyage at the docks of Rensselaer’s home town of Troy, N.Y., during the monthly Troy Night Out celebration.

“It’s been an outstanding experience, and I can’t wait to set sail, meet all sorts of interesting new people during our five-day voyage, and hopefully impress upon everyone that – with a little effort – we can all take ownership of the future and do our part to make this Earth a cleaner and greener place.”

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68 Comments for “Students Navigating The Hudson River With Hydrogen Fuel Cells”

  1. ADAYZAH watkins 6

    The New Clermont Project had a busy summer, from participating in the annual Clearwater Festival to networking with the Capital Region and New York business communities
    Along with major repairs, maintenance, and scrubbing away two decades worth of grime, Gathright and cohorts used their engineering know-how to prep the New Clermont to hold and support
    Along with boosting the visibility and public awareness of hydrogen, fuel cells, and green energy, the New Clermont Project is also a celebration of American ingenuity

  2. 1.THE KIDS HAD BUILD A BOAT TO SAIL IN RIVER 2.THE GROUP HAD A MEETING ABOUT WHICH WAY TO GO 3.THE KIDS WAS TALKING ABOUT HOW TO GET THEIR 4.THE KIDS WAS TALKING HOW TO MAKE THE BOAT 5.THE KIDS MEETING ABOUT WHICH WAY THEIR.

  3. keenan drake 5th

    1.)a boat got coverd in cells
    2.)they inspected them
    3.)it happend in hudson river
    4.)it was new clermont fuel
    5.)hudson river had 400th ann. when took place

  4. A group of Rensselaer students are soon going to sail up the Hudson river using hydrogen fuel. Their boat is 22 feet. It’s name is New Clermont and has 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units. The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21 and sail at 6 mph to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25. They are planning on showing their boat to other people to show hydrogen power. They are trying to reduce pollution.

  5. madison extine-5th period

    1) a group of students arre going up a river with a gas that has nonpuluting cells in it’
    2) the boay that thay are riding in as a big part to put gas

    3)the boat has a cew of three

    4)they will crews the boat at six miles per hour intill they get to ther destination
    5)the kind of boat it is is a steam bou=at

  6. Michael worshim -6th

    This article is about how a group of students will sail the hudson river, on hdyrogyen fuel cells.

    The students will travel at a speed of 6mph.

    They should arrive at their destination in about three days.

    The students will make stops along the way to, talk to other pepole intrested in going green.

    The boat they will travel on in thier jounrney is 40 years old.

  7. Amari Anderson period 1

    1. The students rode a boat runned by hydorgen fuel cells
    2. The event took place in the Hudson River
    3. There were three students that went on the voyage.
    4. The boat is 22 feet.
    5. They used that kind of fuels to reduce the amount of pollution then from using the regular type of fuel that pollutes the earth.

  8. Crystal Whitehouse --- 6th Period

    ~ Some ambitious Rensselaer students are hoping for a cleaner, greener future
    ~ To do this, they will sail up the Huson River propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells
    ~ Their boat is called New Clermont, and it is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    ~ The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on Sept 21,cruising at a cool 6 mph, to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25 with a crew of three.
    ~The students will make several stops along the way, showing off their green-freindly boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals, and talking about the many environmental and potential economic benefits of building out the nation’s hydrogen economy.

  9. 1.the boat is runing off of nitrogen.
    2.a 40 year old sailboat
    3.the cell units work on compressed hydrogen gas.
    4.the boat comes from the hudson river
    5.the boat is a bristol 22

  10. brett stoddard 5TH

    1).There boat is the 22-foot New Clermont.
    2).The boat is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell unit.
    3).They have a crew of three.
    4).The ship will launch from pier 84 in Manhattan on Sep.21.
    5). On there way they will be talking with people about the economic benefits of this ship.

  11. 1. The boat they will travel on in thier jounrney is 40 years old.

    2. The boat has three people on it for a crew.

    3. It’s name is New Clermont and has 2.2 – kilowatt fuel cell units.

    4. The students will travel at a speed of 6mph.

    5. The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21 and sail at six mph to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25.

  12. A group of ambitious Rensselaer students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future.
    The 40-year-old sailboat is a Bristol 22, sometimes called a Bristol Caravel, and measures 22 feet from aft to bow.
    Gathright and cohorts used their engineering know-how to prep the New Clermont to hold and support a pair of fuel cell units.
    They have a crew of three.
    They are trying to reduce pollution.

  13. claire lorino 4th

    1.a group of students arre going up The Hudson river with gas that has nonpuluting cells in it
    2.The boat has only 3 people in it
    3.The ship will leave pier 84 in Manhattan on Sep.21.
    4.The boat will sail at six mph to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25.
    5.They used this kind of fuels to reduce the amount of pollution then from using the regular type of fuel that pollutes the earth.

  14. gabrielle covey 5 period

    A group of students are going to ride up the Hudson River in a polution-free hydrogen fuel boat. They are doing this to make a cleaner/greener future. . The group is planning to make several stops along the way, showing off their one-of-a-kind boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals, and talking about the many environmental and potential economic benefits of building out the nation’s hydrogen economy. They are using a 22-ft New Clermont that will carry the non-pollution fuel. They are leaving out of Manhattan on September 21. They plan on showing everyone their new non- pollution fuel boat, to everyone.

  15. Xavier Robinson 4th Period

    1) Some boats can run on hydrogen fuel cells.
    2) The boat has a crew of three.
    3) The boats name is New Clermont and its 22 feet long.
    4) The boat they will travel in is 40 years old.
    5) The fuel the students used reduced the amount of pollution that the vehicle produced.

  16. grant butler-6
    1. The boat fits with a pair of 2.2 kilowatt fuel cells measures.
    2. Their boat was 22 feet long.
    3.it is a 4 year old boat
    4.robert fulton sailed from new york to alabany almost 200 years ago
    5.three students went on voyage

  17. Lamonte' C. Turner

    ~ Some ambitious Rensselaer students are hoping for a cleaner, greener future
    ~ To do this, they will sail up the Huson River propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells
    ~ Their boat is called New Clermont, and it is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    ~ The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on Sept 21,cruising at a cool 6 mph, to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25 with a crew of three.
    ~The students will make several stops along the way, showing off their green-frIEndly boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals, and talking about the many environmental and potential economic benefits of building out the nation’s hydrogen economy.

  18. Julia Harrelson 5th Period

    1.Students navigated the Hudson Riven with pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells.
    2.They set an example to others. They showed that it possible to do things in a cleaner way.
    3. They navigated the river in the 22-foot New Clermont. It is fit wih a pair of 22-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    4. The crew is 3 people, the ship took off in Manhattan on Spete,ber 21.
    5.It cruised at 6 mph. Then it arrived in Troy in the evening of Swptember 25.

  19. Will Cook 4th Period

    11-1-09

    1- a boat has fuel cell units
    2- the boat has only 3 people in it!
    3- the boat they are using is 40 years old
    4- the boat is named New Clermont and is about 22 ft. long
    5- the fuel the students had used reduces the amount of pollution created by the boat

  20. Kids are going to try to make the earth greeener by going out on a boat with polution freee hidrogen cells. It will go at a speeed of 6mph for 4 days. William gathright started this group of students. he thinks this is a great way to teach about the environment. He is in the doctorial deptment.

  21. Some students sail up the Hudson River and they are going in a boat that is pollution- free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner world.
    Their boat is 22- feet long and is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    The group of three will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21.
    Gathright assembled a volunteer team of undergraduate and graduate students from a wide spectrum of academic disciplines.
    The boat was sometimes called a Bristol Caravel.

  22. Allison Dreisewerd - 4th period

    A group of students are going up The Hudson river with gas that has nonpuluting cells in it. The group is planning to make several stops along the way, showing off their one-of-a-kind boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals, and talking about the many environmental and potential economic benefits of building out the nation’s hydrogen economy. They are using a 22-ft New Clermont that will carry the non-pollution fuel. They are leaving out of Manhattan on September 21. They plan on showing everyone their new non- pollution fuel boat, to everyone. Their boat is called New Clermont, and it is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.

  23. Elizabeth Sanders 1st period

    Article Summary for November 2, 2009

    1. A group of ambitious Rensselaer students are wanting a cleaner, greener furture.
    2. There are sailing up the Hudson River propelled only only by pollution free fuel.
    3. The boat they are traveling on is called New Clermont.
    4. The ship will launch from peir 84 in Manhatton on September 21 going at a speed of 6 mph.
    5. They will arrive in Troy in the evening of September 25 and they will have a crew of three.

  24. chase lovell 5th perieod

    1.The boat that the ambitious kids are riding is 40 years old boat
    2.The boat’s crew only has a crew of three
    3.Clermont was 22 feet long
    4.The kids will travel 3 mph on the boat
    5.The three crew members used the students fuel to reduce reduce the amount of population

  25. Scott Urban Period 5th

    1. The Hudson River used to be called the New Clermont Project also coincides with the 400-year anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic trek.

    2. The boat was 40 years old boat when the kids were riding it.

    3. THe studentsa used hydrogen fuels to fuel the boat.

    4. The crew had 3 people in it, the ship took off in Manhattan on Spetember 21st.

    5. The boat could fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.

  26. Andrew Rice Nov.8 5th period
    1. Students will soon sail up the Hudson River.
    2.Boats can get coverd in cells.
    3.The New Clermont Project is about awareness.
    4.William Gathright found the group.
    5.The New Clermont Project had a busy summer.
    Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii MRS.D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  27. Steven Owens 5th

    -the boat has cells on it

    -there is a crew of three

    -the boat was 40 years old boat when the kids were riding it

    -the boat was a clermont and 22 feet long

    -

  28. Pamela Hussey-6th Period

    1. A group of Ambitious Rensselaer students will soon sail up the Hudson River
    2. Their boat is a 22-foot New Clermont
    3. It has a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units
    4. The boat is 40 years old.
    5. They are going to travel at 6 MPH.

  29. Kaila Poleon 4th Period

    1)A group of Rensselaer students will sail up the Hudson River, using pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells.

    2)They are planning to make several stops along the way to show off their boat.

    3)Along with major repairs, and cleaning off grime, Gathright and cohorts used their engineering to make the New Clermont hold and support a pair of fuel cell units.

    4)The first few months of the project was recruiting a team with expertise in materials science and engineering, electrical and systems engineering, management, and communications.

    5)The New Clermont will end its journey at the docks of Rensselaer’s home town of Troy, New York, during the monthly Troy Night Out celebration.

  30. Raine Aslan - 4th period

    1. A group of students will soon sail up the Hudson River on a pollution-free boat.
    2. Their boat, the New Clermont, is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    3. The New Clermont runs on compressed hydrogen gas.
    4. The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21.
    5. The group is planning to make several stops along the way to talk about the boat and how to make this Earth a cleaner and greener place.

  31. Cassidy McCarter-4th

    A group of ambitious Rensselaer students are wanting a cleaner, greener furture. In order to do this they are sailing up the Hudson River propelled only only by pollution free fuel. The boat by which they are traveling on is called New Clermont. The ship was launched from peir 84 in Manhatton on September 21 going at a speed of 6 mph. They arrived in Troy in the evening of September 25 and they had a crew of three.

  32. Caroline Whorton 6th 11-9-09

    1. Students will sail up the Hudson River but using pollution-free fuel.
    2. The first few months before the sail the students needed skill to get ready for the project.
    3. All the students used a crane to lift certain units and items.
    4. The fuel cells run on hydrogen gas.
    5. The New Clermont became a member of the Rensselaer Student Sustainability Task Force.

  33. Avery Wilson 4th per.

    1-Their boat is called the New Clermont
    2-It is propelled by hydrogen fuel cells.
    3-The New Clermon project is about awareness, and is a fun way to teach people about hydrogen fuel cells.
    4-The boat is 22 feet long.
    5-This could make Earth a cleaner and greener place.

  34. natalie seavers 6th

    1. A group of students are going up The Hudson river with gas that has nonpuluting cells in it as it’s running source

    2. boat is 22- feet long and is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units

    3. The crew had 3 people

    4.The ship took off at Manhattan on Spetember 21st

    5. the boat went three mph

  35. 1.A boat got coverd in cells
    2. It had happened in the Hudson River.
    3.The first few months of the project entailed recruiting a team with skills and expertise in materials science and engineering.
    4. Their only physical asset, at first, was the boat itself – a forgotten, neglected vessel that Gathright promptly renamed the New Clermont.
    5.The New Clermont Project had a busy summer, from participating in the annual Clearwater Festival to networking with the Capital Region and New York business communities to rally support and build a buzz around the September voyage.

  36. 1.The boat is 22 feet long.
    2.The crew was 3 people.
    3.The boat cruies at 6 mph.
    4.This is going to help the hold world be cleaner.
    5.the boat arived in Troy during the evening on sept., 25.

  37. There boat is 22-feet long and called the clermont.
    They will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21.
    They are traveling with a group of three.
    The first few months of the project entailed recruiting a team with skills and expertise in materials science and engineering, electrical and systems engineering, management, and communications.
    When they travel they will be traveling at 6 mph.

  38. Ta'Naisha Hilln 5

    1.) A group of students are going up The Hudson river with gas that has nonpuluting cells in it.
    2.)The event took place in the Hudson River.
    3.).The ship will leave pier 84 in Manhattan on Sep.21.
    4.)The fuel cells run on hydrogen gas.
    5.)There boat is 22-feet long and called the clermont

  39. 1.)A group of students will soon sail up the Hudson River on a pollution-free boat.
    2.)Boat is 22- feet long and is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    3.)The New Clermon project is about awareness, and is a fun way to teach people about hydrogen fuel cells.
    4.)The ship took off at Manhattan on Spetember 21st.
    5.)The group is planning to make several stops along the way to talk about the boat and how to make this Earth a cleaner and greener place.

  40. 1.)There boat is 22-feet long and called the clermont.
    2.)They are traveling with a group of three.
    3.)When they travel they will be traveling at 6 mph.
    4.)It is propelled by hydrogen fuel cells.
    5.)This could make Earth a cleaner and greener place.

  41. A group of students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells. The boat is a 22-foot New Clermont. With a group of three, the ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21. The crew plans to make several stops on the way to talk about the many environmental and potential economic progressions. The project and boat are named after the route of the world’s first commercial steamboat.

  42. connor ferguson 1st period

    1.The students will sail the hudson river on a pollution-free hydrogen boat.
    2.The boat is 22 ft long with 2.2 kilowatt fuel cells unit.
    3.They are starting in Manhattan and going to Troy.
    4.They want to show it off to green-minded individuals and talk about the environmental benifits of it.
    5.The boat’s fuel cells run on compressed hydrogen gas.

  43. Sam Neighbors 2nd

    1.Amasingingly the boat was 40 years old that the students ested on.
    2.The crew of students,which that made the journey was only 4.
    3.The type of the boat was a Bristol 22.
    4.It ws a very slow journey, because the boat ongly went 3 mph.
    5.boat is 22- feet long and only fit a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell unitswhich is not alot.

  44. 1. A boat got covered in cells.
    2. Hudson River had its 400th ann. when it took place.
    3. the boat is 22 feet long.
    4. The boat has a crew of three.
    5. The are going to travel at 6 MPH.

  45. Marilyn Larry 16NOV2009

    1Some ambitious Rensselaer students are hoping for a cleaner, greener future
    2It is propelled by hydrogen fuel cells.
    3The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21.
    4The New Clermont became a member of the Rensselaer Student Sustainability Task Force.
    5the crew is of 3

  46. Maysie Spears- 4th period

    1. A group of students are sailing to the Hudson River, using a gas with non-polluting cells in it.
    2. The ship will leave Sep. 21
    3. The boat will sail at a pace of 6mph to arrive on Sep. 25
    4. The boat only will have 3 people on it.
    5. They used fossil fuels to reduce pollution.

  47. 1) A bunch of students are going to ride up the hudson river on pollution free hydrogen fuel.

    2)Their boat is fit with a pair of 2.2 kilowatt fuel cell units.

    3)The New Clermont is mainly for awarness.

    4)There was 3 voyagers on the journey.

    5)The boat goes at the speed of 6mph.

  48. CourtneyGrays 6th period

    Some ambitious Rensselaer students are hoping for a cleaner, greener future
    ~ To do this, they will sail up the Huson River propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells
    ~ Their boat is called New Clermont, and it is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    ~ The ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on Sept 21,cruising at a cool 6 mph, to arrive in Troy on the evening of September 25 with a crew of three.
    ~The students will make several stops along the way, showing off their green-frIEndly boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals, and talking about the many environmental and potential economic benefits of building out the nation’s hydrogen economy.

  49. The clermount project is also alongside the historical moment of henry hudson

    The clermount project particapatied in the annual clear water festival

    The artical is about some students sailing accros the Hudson river to look for hydrogoen fuel cells

    There boat is 22 feet long

    They are going to travel at 6 mph

  50. John Parvin McBride 2nd Period

    1.)A group of ambitious Rensselaer
    students will soon sail up the Hudson River.
    2.)It will be propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future.
    3.)Their boat, the 22-foot New Clermont
    , is fit with a pair of 2.2-kilowatt fuel cell units.
    4.)With a crew of three, the ship will launch from Pier 84 in Manhattan on September 21.
    5.)The group is planning to make several stops along the way, showing off their one-of-a-kind boat, speaking with other green-minded individuals.

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