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.
Highlights
After centuries in which sailing propulsion dominated, the first mechanical propulsion of ships was implemented in the nineteenth century
While work on steam engines was still carried out, electric propulsion was probably applied to a vessel for the first time by H
Proper energy management, which is especially important when the propulsion system is powered by batteries that have a certain capacity, is another problem [16,17,18]
Summary
After centuries in which sailing propulsion dominated, the first mechanical propulsion of ships was implemented in the nineteenth century. Energies 2019, 12, 3499 propulsion was successfully used on special ships, such as icebreakers and passenger ships This resulted from the advantages of such propulsion, including, among others, the possibility of a quick change in the rotational speed of the propulsion shaft (icebreakers) or the lack of vibrations of the hull typical of large diesel engines, which had an impact on the comfort of cruising, especially on passenger ships. It was not until the end of the twentieth century that efficient and reliable frequency converters (AC converters) and high-torque electric motors with permanent magnets were implemented. Upon analysing various criteria, such as limiting emissions of harmful compounds, energy or fuel consumption, the volume and mass of the ship’s engine room, the manoeuvrability of the unit, and the operating costs, the use of hybrid propulsion becomes more and more often justified [11]
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