The Modeling and Optimal Control of a Hybrid Propulsion System for an Ice-Capable Tanker

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Kayvan Pazouki ◽  
Rosemary Norman

Abstract With the effects of global warming, the North Sea Route has become an economic option for cargo transportation because of the shorter distance between East Asia and Europe. Generally, conventional mechanical propulsion systems installed in ice-capable tankers suffer from significant drawbacks because of poor fuel efficiency when sailing at low speed, therefore, advanced technologies have been applied such as diesel electric and nuclear-powered propulsion; however, drawbacks still exist. Hybrid propulsion is a more environmental-friendly, economical solution for ships with icebreaking capability, which can address the drawbacks in both diesel electric and nuclear power systems. In this paper, modeling of system components is presented and implemented in MATLAB Simulink. A primary control strategy is applied to the system to ensure system stability, and an advanced secondary strategy is developed and applied to the power sources to minimize fuel consumption. Given two scenarios, the simulation results of the hybrid propulsion system developed in this research and those of diesel electric propulsion systems with DC and AC distribution systems are compared and indicate that the hybrid system can offer up to 22.4% fuel savings over ice-loading condition, and 39.5% fuel reduction over the particular voyage of varying speed in open water is applied in this paper. Introduction In recent years, some sea routes that were previously blocked by ice have become increasingly accessible in the warmest months of the year due to the effects of global warming. Researchers have estimated that, by 2030, the percentage of Arctic shipping will have increased to 25% of cargo trade between Europe and Asia (Lasserre 2019). Northern Sea Route (NSR) shipping provides benefits for international trade, but challenges still exist. Increasing carbon emissions have seriously impacted the Arctic environment (Hassol & Corell 2006). Table 1 shows the total number of ships using Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in Arctic waters in 2015, and associated black carbon emissions, as published by the IMO (Comer et al. 2017). As it is shown, oil tankers made up just 4.5% of all ships entering Arctic waters but despite their low proportion, they were responsible for 17% of black carbon emissions. Thus, an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient propulsion system to reduce these emissions from tankers trading in Arctic waters is required.

Author(s):  
Yi Zhou ◽  
Kayvan Pazouki ◽  
Rose Norman

Abstract Due to the effect of global warming, navigation on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) has become a more economical and reliable choice for international cargo transportation. In some ways, global warming has increased the opportunity of shipping activities in the Arctic region and hence the need for ice-capable vessels. NSR shipping provides benefits for international trade, but challenges still exist. Although conventional direct drive propulsion system connected to 2 stroke marine engine is normally considered the most efficient approach for long-range transport, for icebreaking operation which requires prime movers to work at partial load, conventional mechanical propulsion systems generally have poor fuel efficiency and high emissions. Moreover, the harmful gases produced by ships trading in NSR have a significant impact on the Arctic climate. Moreover, a traditional mechanical drive icebreaker with a diesel engine is required to operate at high torque, low rpm during icebreaking operation. Thus conventional diesel engine that isn’t optimised to operate at this point would be inefficient and would produce black carbon due to incomplete combustion, which has the potential to cause ice, snow, and cloud albedo out of proportion with normal pattern, thus lead to serious impacts on the Arctic environment and eco-system. Arctic ship propulsion systems have been developing since the 19th century, with modifications such as the use of diesel electric propulsion systems and nuclear power propulsion systems which can ideally meet the requirements of ice breaking operation (low speed and high torque), however, drawbacks still exist in these systems, such as poor fuel efficiency at low speeds for diesel electric propulsion and for nuclear power, there are limitations such as high initial cost, management of nuclear waste and the fact that the required deep knowledge of nuclear technology is mastered by few countries. Hybrid propulsion is a new technology for ice-capable ships, which can address the partial loading efficiency problem in diesel-electric propulsion by charging and discharging a battery energy storage unit which can allow the ship to work in zero-emission mode in some sensitive areas. In this paper, detailed modelling, primary control strategies (voltage and frequency stability) and efficiency analysis of system components such as the motor, generator, battery and conversion devices etc. are and implemented in software, and then the whole power system is simulated with a secondary control strategy (load power sharing and battery aging concern) in both ice and open water load conditions. The results from the diesel electric system and hybrid system total fuel consumption within a target journey are compared to investigate the advantage of the hybrid system, which show up to a 40% fuel consumption reduction for hybrid propulsion arrangement. A tertiary control strategy for energy management is analysed and implemented in the system to further reduce system fuel consumption.


Author(s):  
Michael Schneider ◽  
Jens Dickhoff ◽  
Karsten Kusterer ◽  
Wilfried Visser

Abstract In the recent decades, civil aviation was growing 4.7% per annum. In order to reduce emissions promoting the global warming process, alternative propulsion systems are needed. Full-electric propulsion systems in aviation might have the potential for emission-free flights using renewable energy. However, several research efforts indicate electric propulsion only seems feasible for small aircraft. Especially due to the low energy density of batteries compared to fossil fuels. For this reason, hybrid propulsion systems came into focus, combining the benefits of all-electric and conventional propulsion system concepts. It is also considered as bridging technology, system test and basis for component development — and therewith paves the way towards CO2 free aviation. In the ‘HyFly’ project (supported by the German Luftfahrtforschungsprogramm LuFo V-3), the potential of a hybrid electric concept for a short/mid-range 19 PAX aircraft is assessed — not only on system but also on single component basis. In a recent study, the propulsion architecture and the operating mode of the gas turbine and the electric components have been defined [1]. In this paper, the advantages of the hybrid propulsion architecture and a qualitative assessment of component life are presented. Methods for life time prediction for the aircraft engine, the electric motor, the reluctance generator and the battery are discussed. The impact of turbine inlet temperature on life consumption is analyzed. The life cycle of the aircraft engine and the electric components including gradual component deterioration and consequent performance degradation is simulated by using an in-house gas turbine simulation tool (GTPsim). Therefore, various effects on electric propulsion system can be predicted for the entire drivetrain system in less than one hour.


2021 ◽  
Vol 312 ◽  
pp. 11005
Author(s):  
Alberto Amerini ◽  
Leonardo Langone ◽  
Riccardo Vadi ◽  
Antonio Andreini

The increase in air traffic expected in the next years must be accompanied by innovation to ensure the lowest possible environmental impact. Hybrid electric-thermal propulsion systems are currently being investigated and could represent a breakthrough for environmental sustainability in the sector. However, the transition to electric propulsion remains challenging due to the current level of energy density related to storage systems, the additional components associated with power conversion and control systems, not to mention the cost of all the associated equipment. The purpose of this study is to carry out a preliminary assessment of a hybrid propulsion system for a short-mid range aircraft. This study investigates the series hybrid configuration, where a turboshaft, a high temperature superconducting (HTS) electric motor, batteries and power converters interact to provide the necessary propulsion for flight. A zero-dimensional procedure is developed to estimate the mass and efficiency of the powertrain components for a selected flight mission. Thermal engines are modeled with the low-order code and coupled with the components of the electric system through a python routine. A comparison in terms of weight and emissions is reported for the designed hybrid propulsion system and the conventional one. The analysis shows that the weight of the two propulsion systems is similar but, the presence of batteries, even considering a higher level of technology than the current one, leads to a significant increase in the weight of the hybrid aircraft. The second part of the study focuses on pollutant emissions, showing that the hybrid system can reduce CO2 emissions by 58% and NOx emissions by 68% compared to the conventional system. Despite the excellent premise, the reduction in payload for the hybrid aircraft causes a reduction in pollutant emissions per passenger only for NOx. For this reason, further technological improvement is needed to make hybrid propulsion advantageous in terms of both payload and pollutant emissions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 168
Author(s):  
Hyeonmin Jeon ◽  
Jongsu Kim ◽  
Kyoungkuk Yoon

In the case of the electric propulsion system on the vessel, Diode Front End (DFE) rectifiers have been applied for large-sized ships and Active Front End (AFE) rectifiers have been utilized for small and medium-sized ships as a part of the system. In this paper, we design a large electric propulsion ship system using AFE rectifier with the proposed phase angle detector and verify the feasibility of the system by simulation. The phase angle derived from the proposed phase angle detection method is applied to the control of the AFE rectifier instead of the zero-crossing method used to detect the phase angle in the control of the conventional AFE rectifier. We compare and analyze the speed control, Direct Current (DC)-link voltage, harmonic content and measurement data of heat loss by inverter switch obtained from the simulation of the electric propulsion system with the 24-pulse DFE rectifier, the conventional AFE rectifier, and the proposed AFE rectifier. As a result of the simulation, it was confirmed that the proposed AFE rectifier derives a satisfactory result similar to that of a 24-pulse DFE rectifier with a phase shifting transformer installed according to the speed load of the ship, and it can be designed and applied as a rectifier of a large-sized vessel.


2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (16) ◽  
pp. 5921-5926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tami C. Bond ◽  
Haolin Sun

Author(s):  
Ioannis Roumeliotis ◽  
Lorenzo Castro ◽  
Soheil Jafari ◽  
Vassilios Pachidis ◽  
Louis De Riberolles ◽  
...  

Abstract Future aircraft and rotorcraft propulsion systems should be able to meet ambitious targets and severe limitations set by governments and organizations. These targets cannot be achieved through marginal improvements in turbine technology or vehicle design. Hybrid-electric propulsion is being widely considered as a revolutionary concept to further improve the environmental impact of air travel. One of the most important challenges and barriers in the development phase of hybrid-electric propulsion systems is the Thermal Management System (TMS) design, sizing and optimization for addressing the increased thermal loads due to the electric power train. The aim of this paper is to establish an integrated simulation framework including the vehicle, the propulsion system and the fuel-oil system (FOS) for assessing the cooling capability of the FOS for the more electric era of rotorcrafts. The framework consists of a helicopter model, propulsion system models, both conventional and hybrid-electric, and a FOS model. The test case is a twin-engine medium (TEM) helicopter flying a representative Passenger Air Transport (PAT) mission. The conventional power plant heat loads are calculated and the cooling capacity of the FOS is quantified for different operating conditions. Having established the baseline, three different Power Management Strategies (PMS) are considered and the integrated simulation framework is utilized for evaluating FOS temperatures. The results highlight the limitations of existing rotorcraft FOS to cope with the high values of thermal loads associated with hybridization for the cases examined. Hence, new ideas and embodiments should be identified and assessed. The case of exploiting the fuel tank as a heat sink is investigated and the results indicate that recirculating fuel to the fuel tank can enhance the cooling capacity of conventional FOS.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bolbot ◽  
G Theotokatos ◽  
E Boulougouris ◽  
D Vassalos

Cruise ship industry is rapidly developing, with both the vessels size and number constantly growing up, which renders ensuring passengers, crew and ship safety a paramount necessity. Collision, grounding and fire are among the most frequent accidents on cruise ships with high consequences. In this study, a hazard analysis of diesel-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion system is undertaken using System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA). The results demonstrate significant increase in potential hazardous scenarios due to failures in automation and control systems, leading to fire and a higher number of scenarios leading to propulsion and power loss in hybrid-electric propulsion systems than on a conventional cruise-ship propulsion system. Results also demonstrate that STPA enhancement is required to compare the risk of two propulsion systems.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 4461-4474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Min Hao ◽  
Alexander Petkov ◽  
Bryce L. Nordgren ◽  
Rachel E. Corley ◽  
Robin P. Silverstein ◽  
...  

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) emitted from fires in northern Eurasia is transported and deposited on ice and snow in the Arctic and can accelerate its melting during certain times of the year. Thus, we developed a high spatial resolution (500 m  ×  500 m) dataset to examine daily BC emissions from fires in this region for 2002–2015. Black carbon emissions were estimated based on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) land cover maps and detected burned areas, the Forest Inventory Survey of the Russian Federation, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier-1 Global Biomass Carbon Map for the year 2000, and vegetation specific BC emission factors. Annual BC emissions from northern Eurasian fires varied greatly, ranging from 0.39 Tg in 2010 to 1.82 Tg in 2015, with an average of 0.71 ± 0.37 Tg from 2002 to 2015. During the 14-year period, BC emissions from forest fires accounted for about two-thirds of the emissions, followed by grassland fires (18 %). Russia dominated the BC emissions from forest fires (92 %) and central and western Asia was the major region for BC emissions from grassland fires (54 %). Overall, Russia contributed 80 % of the total BC emissions from fires in northern Eurasia. Black carbon emissions were the highest in the years 2003, 2008, and 2012. Approximately 58 % of the BC emissions from fires occurred in spring, 31 % in summer, and 10 % in fall. The high emissions in spring also coincide with the most intense period of ice and snow melting in the Arctic.


Author(s):  
John C. Bentz

Electrical energy sources offer some interesting possibilies for aircraft propulsion. Of particular interest are electric propulsion systems developed for aircraft that are designed for high altitude, long endurance (HALE) missions. This class of aircraft would greatly benefit from an aircraft propulsion system which minimizes thermal energy rejection and environmental pollutants. Electric propulsion systems may prove viable for the HALE mission, if reliable energy sources can be developed that are both fuel and weight efficient. Fuel cells are a possible energy source. This paper discusses the thermodynamic cyclic analysis of a fuel cell powered electric propulsion system. In particular, phosphoric acid and polymer electrolyte fuel cells are evaluated as possible energy sources.


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