Performances of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in marine application

Abstract

The maritime industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient propulsion systems to address environmental concerns and operational efficiency. This research focuses on the comprehensive performance analysis of hybrid marine energy systems. These configurations integrate conventional diesel engines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines and possibility to use alternative fuels and technologies with electric propulsion, aiming to enhance overall efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and mitigate environmental impact. The study employs advanced simulation tools, to model and analyze the dynamic response, efficiency, and operational characteristics of hybrid energy systems. The simulation framework allows for the adjustment of key parameters, such as engine power, load, and environmental conditions, providing a controlled virtual environment for detailed analysis. The key objectives are to estimate the specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions under different loads and operating conditions for different hybrid configurations. Further, a hybrid drive system model was developed with PEM fuel cells in conjunction with batteries that would replace the classic diesel drive in the ferry. The model of the drive system was made for the ship and verified with data on energy consumption during work tests in real sailing conditions on the ship's established route. A replacement PEM-Battery hybrid energy system was then determined, a balance of plant analysis was made and optimized for that specific navigation route. A comparison was made with the diesel propulsion system, and it was found that the production of CO₂ was reduced by 4886 kg for one day of sailing of the ship. The characteristics of a stack of PEM fuel articles and an insight into the behaviour of the system are given. The findings of this research aim to provide valuable insights into the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of hybrid marine energy systems. The simulation-based approach allows for a realistic and controlled exploration of these configurations, contributing to the advancement of hybrid propulsion technology in the maritime industry.