Modeling, Simulation and Assessment of a Hybrid Electric Ferry: Case Study for Mid-Size Ferry

The hybrid electric propulsion system presents a feasible and attractive fuel cost and emission reduction solution for heavy-duty transportation applications, particularly for large marine vessels. The model of a specially designed hybrid electric powertrain system has been introduced. The work uses the acquired operation and power load patterns of the BC Ferries Skeena Queen as a case study to demonstrate the fuel cost and emission reduction potentials of the electrified technology by comparing results from three powertrain alternatives: traditional diesel engine, diesel-electric, and series hybrid electric. The results showed that the electrification and hybridization could significantly reduce both fuel cost and harmful emissions. The series hybrid electric powertrain system has been targeted in this work due to its relatively small powertrain architecture difference from the traditional diesel-electric powertrain, and the ease of control development.