Performance Analysis of Hybrid Marine Energy Systems

This study delves into the evolution of the maritime sector towards adopting sustainable and energy-efficient propulsion technologies, emphasizing the pivotal role of hybrid marine energy systems in promoting environmental sustainability and operational efficacy. By harmoniously blending traditional diesel engines, LNG engines, and the potential for incorporating alternative fuels and technologies with electric propulsion, this research aims to optimize energy utilization, diminish fuel consumption, and curtail environmental degradation. Utilizing sophisticated simulation tools, this investigation meticulously evaluates the dynamic behavior, efficiency, and performance attributes of hybrid energy systems. The simulation environment is adept at modifying essential variables such as engine power, load conditions, and environmental factors, facilitating a comprehensive virtual analysis. The primary goals include assessing the specific fuel consumption (SFC) and exhaust emissions across varying loads and operational scenarios within diverse hybrid setups. For this research, a hybrid propulsion system for a small vessel was created in a virtual environment. The goal is to evaluate the performance of the system and its behavior in different scenarios and to determine the optimal operation of the hybrid system. Research has shown that diesel generators should be turned off during port and maneuvering, because operating conditions at low load are not optimal, and exhaust gas emissions are high. For this reason, a hybrid drive system was determined and optimized, which offers optimal working conditions in combination with fuel cells for a specific application.