Optimization-Based Energy Management Algorithm for 2-Stroke Hybrid Ship with Controllable Pitch Propeller

This paper examines the fuel consumption savings of a hybrid ship powertrain with 2-stroke main engine by implementing a novel adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy that utilizes a controllable pitch propeller. A non-hybrid powertrain model was developed as a demonstrator and real-world data were used for fuel consumption and efficiency maps. The baseline powertrain model was extended to a hybrid by introducing a shaft generator, a battery, a controllable pitch propeller, and the supervisory control algorithm. The potential benefits of the proposed powertrain are examined over different operation phases including port stay, open sea sailing, and port approach. The result showed that the energy efficiency gains can reach up to 6% under the open sea sailing phase. Furthermore, the controllable pitch propeller offers additional energy efficiency benefits of 2% under the port approach phase, utilizing the proposed algorithm. If the proposed powertrain is produced and the implemented algorithm is adopted, this could lead to substantial carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption savings at sea.