A Study on Application of Fuel Cell-Battery-Solar Cell Hybrid System for Small Coastal Ships

Abstract

With the effort put forward by the international maritime organization (IMO) to implement strict regulations and strategic plans to minimize the greenhouse gas gradually (GHG) emission and eradicate within the century at the earliest possible from the shipping industry, the current trend of more efficient ships have emerged. Subsequently, the birth of all-electric ships (AES) has been prominent. The utilization of an electric propulsion system replacing the conventional mechanical system is exceptionally essential. The integrated power system feature is vital, further integrating different power sources or energy storage systems into the marine power system. In this research work, a study is carried out on applying a fuel cell-battery-solar cell hybrid system for small coastal ships and investigating system performance and stability. Furthermore, estimation of each system space and weight is also conducted. Subsequently, an overall system model with the relevant control systems for each system is designed and developed in the MATLAB Simulink application. The system performance is analyzed for zero and dynamic solar power under dynamic vessel load conditions. The simulation results of each system demonstrate the effective operation of each system in a hybrid configuration while performing the appropriate defined functions. The overall system performance indicates a stable system operation where the system parameters vary within the allowable limits irrespective of the dynamic and transient conditions of the system. Moreover, each system's estimation of space and weight concerning its capacity is vital for vessel space optimization in a practical implementation approach.

With the effort put forward by the international maritime organization (IMO) to implement strict regulations and strategic plans to minimize the greenhouse gas gradually (GHG) emission and eradicate within the century at the earliest possible from the shipping industry, the current trend of more efficient ships have emerged. Subsequently, the birth of all-electric ships (AES) has been prominent. The utilization of an electric propulsion system replacing the conventional mechanical system is exceptionally essential. The integrated power system feature is vital, further integrating different power sources or energy storage systems into the marine power system. In this research work, a study is carried out on applying a fuel cell-battery-solar cell hybrid system for small coastal ships and investigating system performance and stability. Furthermore, estimation of each system space and weight is also conducted. Subsequently, an overall system model with the relevant control systems for each system is designed and developed in the MATLAB Simulink application. The system performance is analyzed for zero and dynamic solar power under dynamic vessel load conditions. The simulation results of each system demonstrate the effective operation of each system in a hybrid configuration while performing the appropriate defined functions. The overall system performance indicates a stable system operation where the system parameters vary within the allowable limits irrespective of the dynamic and transient conditions of the system. Moreover, each system's estimation of space and weight concerning its capacity is vital for vessel space optimization in a practical implementation approach.