Concept design and feasibility study of propulsion system for yacht: innovative hybrid propulsion system fueled by methanol

The Marpol Annex VI Reg.13 entered into force in 2016 imposes severe limitations on the NOx emissions of ships, getting the most stringent standard to date (“IMO Tier III”). These are enforced in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs): US waters on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, in the Hawaii region and in the US Caribbean (Puerto Rico) area. More ECAs (e.g., Mediterranean Sea, etc.) could be added soon. Among the solutions to comply with IMO Tier III, hybrid system is that seems more encouraging specially when supplemented by battery and fuel cells.The paper deals with a concept design and feasibility study of the propulsion system for a yacht of 80 m in length with a conventional diesel electric configuration integrated with fuel cells and battery plants which consent for further operations inside ECAs where fuel cells are used as means of power generation. The hydrogen required for fuelling fuel cells is obtained by a methanol reforming system installed on board as well.