Abstract
This paper presents an innovative algorithm to compare traditional and innovative energy systems onboard for maritime applications. The solutions are compared adopting a multi-criteria method, considering four parameters (weight, volume, cost, emissions) and their relevance according to the kind of ship and navigation route. The algorithm, which includes a large and updated database of market solutions, leads to the implementation of HELM (Helper for Energy Layouts in Maritime applications) tool. HELM was conceived to support the design of maritime systems: it chooses the best technology comparing traditional marine diesel engines, propulsion systems with alternative fuels (methanol, ammonia, LNG) and innovative low-emission technologies (fuel cell and batteries). Two case studies are investigated: (i) a small passenger ship for short routes (ii) and a large size ro-ro cargo ship. For case (i), fuel cells represent a competitive solution, in particular considering navigation in emission control areas. For case study (ii) Internal Combustion Engines shows are the best solution. The evaluation of alternative fuels is performed, considering a sensitivity analysis on emissions’ importance: methanol, LNG, and ammonia are promising solutions. For case (i), the installation of electrical batteries is also evaluated to analyse potential advantages to reduce the amount of H2 stored onboard.
Highlights
As the emission of Green House Gases (GHG) are increasing more and more in last years, reaching the record values of 33.5 Gtons in 2018 and 33.4 Gtons in 2019 in terms of CO2 [1], both international associations and governments are adopting environmental and energy strategies to reduce their growth
It is worth analysing the absolute values for the best potential choices (PEMFC fed by liquid or compressed hydrogen and Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) fed by fuel oil), comparing the impact of both storage and propulsion systems on the results
This paper investigates the potentiality of the multicriteria decision method-based software HELM, which identifies the most suitable power system to be used in specific applications in the maritime field
Summary
As the emission of Green House Gases (GHG) are increasing more and more in last years, reaching the record values of 33.5 Gtons in 2018 and 33.4 Gtons in 2019 in terms of CO2 [1], both international associations and governments are adopting environmental and energy strategies to reduce their growth. In 2018, IMO has established long-term targets to reduce 50% GHG emissions in shipping sector by 2050, compared to 2008 levels. Recent studies demonstrated that the introduction of alternative fuels and the diffusion of new technologies is mandatory to reach the long-term targets set by IMO. The introduction of fuel cells as energy generation systems for propulsion or auxiliary power units (APU) for maritime vessels has been investigated by many authors, in particular PEMFC and SOFC technologies appear to be the most promising ones [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. The algorithm is based on a multi-criteria decision method, which is employed to compare many solutions, in maritime applications [17][18][19]
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