Mechanical engineering optimization of hybrid refrigeration systems for fisheries

This research develops mechanically optimized hybrid renewable energy refrigeration systems addressing post-harvest preservation challenges in Indonesian artisanal fisheries through integrated engineering design, environmental assessment, and techno-economic analysis. Employing three-phase methodology combining computational system optimization, life cycle assessment, and implementation framework development, the study evaluates vessel-based, landing site, and community facility configurations. Results demonstrate hybrid photovoltaic-wind systems achieve 35–42% reliability improvements over single-source alternatives, 25–30% refrigeration efficiency gains through enhanced heat exchangers and vacuum insulation, and 68% greenhouse gas reductions compared to diesel refrigeration. Economic analysis reveals levelized preservation costs of $0.055–0.078/kg fish for larger installations, achieving competitiveness with conventional methods. However, implementation barriers include capital requirements (32% of constraints), technical capacity limitations (23%), and financing access challenges (20%). Overall viability scored 8.3/10.0 across technical, environmental, and economic criteria, with proposed framework providing actionable deployment strategies supporting sustainable fisheries development.