A comprehensive feasibility analysis of dual-fuel engines and solid oxide fuel cells on a tanker ship considering environmental, economic, and regulation aspects

Abstract

The paper aims to assess if liquefied natural gas (LNG)-dual-fuel (DF) engines as main engine solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and waste heat recovery systems (WHRS) as auxiliary units are feasible configurations for current and future years on ships. Data from an oceangoing tanker ship with 115,804 DWT has been collected from noon reports to execute the analysis. Through eight different scenarios including individual usage and various system combinations, the influence of these systems has been evaluated. Findings indicate that the sole scenario that satisfies the regulatory requirements is scenario 6, which involves the hydrogen (H2)-SOFCs, WHRS, and LNG-DF engines. Scenario 5 (LNG-SOFCs, WHRS, and LNG-DF engines) has enabled the largest reductions of upstream and operational carbon dioxide emissions at 47.946 % and 48.473 % respectively. Scenarios 5 and 6 significantly reduce both other upstream and operational emissions. However, LNG usage raises methane emissions substantially, while H2 increases particular matter upstream emissions. The levelized cost of energy of the systems using the conventional auxiliary units and DF engines is lower than the base scenario, however, SOFCs become practical in 2050 economically. The energy production cost of LNG reduces remarkably in future estimations, and H2 becomes commercially viable in 2050 projections.