Energy Demand of Short-Range Inland Ferry with Series Hybrid Propulsion Depending on the Navigation Strategy

Abstract

Interest in hybrid propulsion systems that can be used on small vessels has increased significantly in recent years. They can replace inefficient and environmentally burdensome conventional systems based on diesel engines. Hybrid propulsion has many advantages such as high energy efficiency and virtually noiseless operation, and therefore it fits well with the current trends of “green shipping” and “zero emission”. The aim of the research conducted was to examine and analyse the varied energy demand of a small inland ferry with electric propulsion depending on the navigation strategy. The work included tests carried out on a model of the vessel. Conventional resistance tests involving towing the model at a constant speed proved to be of no use for the unit, which, during a short voyage, moves with variable speeds and manoeuvres. Therefore, atypical and unique tests were performed to determine the energy consumption during the acceleration of the unit and the parameters of navigation with the propulsion turned off. The work resulted in calculated forecasts of energy consumption by the ship depending on the adopted cruising style and a proposal of the most energy-efficient way to cross the shipping route connecting the two banks of the Motława River in the city of Gdańsk.

Towards the IMO’s GHG Goals: A Critical Overview of the Perspectives and Challenges of the Main Options for Decarbonizing International Shipping

“…Despite major technological advances in battery capacity and efficiency, batteries must still become considerably more efficient and less heavy to meet the needs of large ocean-going ships. While several mature applications of battery-electric propulsion can be found in the short-sea-shipping segment (the first battery-electric short-sea ferry headed out in 2015) [125,126], much work is still needed before similar applications in the deep-sea market. This does not exclude the successful application of batteries on large ocean-going ships for specific purposes [127].…”

A Real-Time Power Management Strategy for Hybrid Electrical Ships Under Highly Fluctuated Propulsion Loads

“…All the previous work only focuses on the instant power splitting according to the current load and generation situation, but may not guarantee a healthy state of charge (SOC) level of HESS throughout the voyage. Given the fact that, the propulsion loads would show different characteristics under different sea states, ship sailing speed, and voyage conditions, and would vary largely at ship departure, accelerating, sailing, and arriving [17], [18]. The highly changeable propulsion load in addition with the volatile environment and uncertainty at sea, all require a sufficient energy backup to maintain system stability and safety [19].…”

Influence of the Hull Shape on the Energy Demand of a Small Inland Vessel with Hybrid Propulsion

“…Various strategies of the vessel's movement were proposed and developed for the model, showing that it is possible to cover the same route at the same time with different energy consumption [19]. For comparison of the energy consumption one of the developed strategies ACB (Acceleration, Constant, Braking) for the maximum speed of 8 km / h was chosen.…”