Optimal Design of a Distributed Ship Power System with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells under the Consideration of Component Malfunctions

Abstract

In the shipping industry, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a much-discussed technology due to their high energy efficiency, fuel versatility, and emissions reduction potential. In contrast to internal combustion engines, modular SOFC units allow for distributed system configurations without drastically reducing the overall efficiency. Decentralizing the power system with regard to the electrical consumers’ demands reduces both grid size and transmission losses, leading to a reduction of investment and operating costs. Additionally, a modular approach significantly benefits required redundancy aspects. A case study based on a cruise ship with nine fire zones is used to quantify the advantages of a distributed approach from an economic point of view. For this, a design optimization with variable installation location is conducted both with and without component failure considerations. Compared to a central configuration, annual transmission system costs in a distributed approach are reduced by 76% without and 55% with component failure consideration. However, the cost reduction potential proves to be small compared to other matters of expense. The modular system characteristic ensures that minor modifications suffice for component redundancy, resulting in an investment cost increase of less than 2% for both central and distributed configurations.