The growing requirements for limiting the negative impact of all modes of transport on the natural environment mean that clean technologies are becoming more and more important. The global trend of e-mobility also applies to sea and inland water transport. This article presents the results of experimental tests carried out on a life-size, parallel diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. The efficiency of the propulsion system was analysed for two modes of operation (electric and diesel) and for different engine speeds and loads. Analysis of the impact of using a hybrid propulsion system on fuel consumption was carried out on a case study vessel and for six actual journeys. The use of hybrid propulsion in "zero emission" mode enables up to four times higher energy efficiency when compared to a conventional drive, while reducing CO 2 emissions and air pollution to zero, as well as a hundred-fold reduction in noise emissions. High flexibility in the operation of such a drive enables the use of intelligent power control technology (smart propulsion). This article shows that the use of hybrid propulsion reduces the negative impact on the environment to a minimum and allows for a significant reduction in the vessel's operating costs.

In the Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Ship

ABSTRACT

The development of modern technologies and their increasing availability, as well as the falling costs of highly efficient propulsion systems and power sources, have resulted in electric or hybrid propulsions systems’ growing popularity for use on watercraft. Presented in the paper are design and lab tests of a prototype parallel hybrid propulsion system. It describes a concept of retrofitting a conventionally powered nine meter-long vessel with the system, and includes results of power and efficiency measurements, as well as calculations of the vessel’s operating range under the propulsion of its electric motor. The concept of adding of a solar panels array was studied.

The development of modern lithium batteries and propulsion systems now allows the use of complex propulsion systems for vessels of various sizes. As part of the research and implementation project, a parallel hybrid drive system was designed, built and then tested in the laboratory. The experimental studies conducted allowed for the measurements of power, fuel consumption and electric power distribution in various operating modes of the propulsion system. The research proves that in the analysed case, the hybrid parallel system meets the demand for electric energy during a typical cruise scenario, and thus there is no need to install a power generator on the yacht.