Comprehensive Study of a Hybrid Electric Ship for Optimum Onboard Fuel Consumption

With significant inroads being made in the electrification of land-based transport in recent years, there is an increased impetus on maritime transport as well for navigating towards cleaner fuels and reducing their emissions. However, the griddistant nature of marine vessels poses several challenges for their electrification not faced by their overland counterparts. This paper addresses some of these issues and outlines the role of power electronics in tackling them through onboard/onshore converters. Moreover, a hybrid energy interface feeding the ship's propulsion system and various loads is modeled and analyzed in a simulated environment wherein an intelligent control strategy is employed to optimize the use of onboard energy resources. Finally, some future trends are highlighted in the development of electric ships for making water transport emission-free.