Hybrid Propulsion System Analysis for a Solar-Powered Offshore Supply Vessel

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@article{1707871,
      author = {Uchenna Azubuike Robinson, Morrison Inegiyemiema},
      title = {Hybrid Propulsion System Analysis for a Solar-Powered Offshore Supply Vessel},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {10},
      pages = {645-655},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1707871.pdf},
      abstract = {This project focuses on the analysis of a solar-powered hybrid propulsion system for an Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV). The study explores the integration of solar energy into traditional diesel-electric propulsion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The system's performance is evaluated under specific conditions, including the vessel's speed of 14.5 knots and solar specifications such as 24V energy storage and a solar panel output of 380W. The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) is calculated for two operational scenarios: one where the vessel runs solely on diesel-electric propulsion for 10 hours daily over five days, and another where the operation is split evenly between solar and diesel-electric propulsion. The study leverages the average sunlight hours in Rivers State to optimize solar power usage, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The results demonstrate the potential benefits of hybrid propulsion systems in improving operational efficiency and sustainability for offshore vessels. The analysis revealed that the total EEDI that will be produce for diesel generator only will be 949.1gCO2/ton-mile. Also, the findings suggests that the EEDI when the propulsion system alternates between diesel and solar energy for 5 hours each reduces across all speeds compared to the diesel-only system. For example, at 14.5 knots, the EEDI decreases from 35.07 gCO2/ton-mile in the diesel-only case to 17.43gCO2/ton-mile in the solar-hybrid system. This underscores the environmental benefit of integrating solar power with diesel engines to achieve cleaner operations, especially at higher speeds. In terms of specific fuel consumption (SFC) of the diesel-only propulsion system compared with the solar-hybrid propulsion system at varying vessel speeds. The data shows that as vessel speed increases, the SFC also rises for both systems, but the hybrid system consistently exhibits lower fuel consumption. For example, at 14.5 knots, the diesel system consumes 176 g/kWh, while the hybrid system reduces this to 175 g/kWh.},
      keywords = {EEDI, SFC, Hybrid Propulsion, Ship Resistance, Energy Demand},
      month = {April},
  }