Modeling and Simulation of a Series Hybrid Propulsion Chain for Small Ships

Hybridization is a promising approach to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impacts of ships. Hybridization is particularly suitable for ships operating on cycles with large power variations and requiring a high degree of maneuverability. The modeling and simulation of such systems is essential in their design, analysis, and power management, especially with the mass and volume constraints of small vessels. In this context, this paper presents a modeling approach of a series hybrid ship propulsion using Matlab / Simulink. This modeling tool associates models of the energy conversion components and hydrodynamics models related to ship hull and propeller. This tool allows evaluating efficiently the performances of such systems.