Analysis and Experimental Verification of Improving the EEDI of a Ship using a Thruster Supplied by a Hybrid Power System

In this study, the authors present a theoretical analysis and experimentally verified methods to improve the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) of ships. The improvements were studied via the application of an innovative solution of a thruster supplied by a hybrid power system on board a passenger-car ferry. The authors performed sea trials of a ship's electrical power system supplied by battery packs with diesel generating set power units. The experimental study focused on energy balance and management, which were considered together with related power quality issues. The authors found that the application of an energy storage system to the ferry, such as batteries, with the simultaneous adaption of the operation modes of the electrical power system for current exploitation, significantly improved energy efficiency. Fuel consumption and CO2 emission were reduced, while adequate parameters of electrical power quality were maintained to meet classification standards.