The Optimal Design and Control of a Low-emission Methanol-Fueled Hybrid Electric Boat

Combining clean alternative fuel, hybrid electric propulsion, and advanced real-time optimal control provides a very promising approach to clean energy transition and decarbonization. However, a hybrid electric ship's flexible electrified propulsion system is a complex mechatronic system that demands system optimization and real-time optimal control to reach its full potential. Accurate prediction of needed propulsion power is required to develop the integrated propulsion system design and control solutions. This study introduces an advanced propulsion power prediction method and an integrated model-based design and optimization approach for the design and control optimizations of the vessel propulsion system. After introducing the engine performance models of a methanol-fueled engine based on literature data, a case study of a representative tour boat is conducted to design and assess the balanced performance and emissions of the methanol-fueled hybrid electric marine vessel. Combining clean methanol fuel, hybrid electric propulsion, and optimal real-time control effectively reduces the overall carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from the vessel.