Managing Shipboard Energy: A Stochastic Approach Special Issue on Marine Systems Electrification

The efficient utilization of energy is of high importance for shipboard applications, for environmental and economic reasons as well as maximized vessel operation. The electrification of marine systems facilitates the storage and generation of energy from multiple sources, offering the potential for energy savings, due to the flexibility associated with electric systems. In this paper, an energy management system (EMS) based on bond graph system models used in conjunction with a stochastic search algorithm is proposed and developed. The EMS optimizes the configuration of the vessel's onboard machinery system based on the current operating condition. The approach is universal, with the system model and optimization routine being separate and distinct. The effectiveness of the proposed EMS is demonstrated using a real operating profile of a roll-on/roll-off vessel fitted with a hybrid machinery configuration including energy storage, onshore power supply, and photovoltaic generation. The results show fuel savings of around 23% compared with current fuel consumption levels.