Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System for Tanker Ships with Combined Diesel and Hydro Generator Drive

Abstract

In search of new green ship technologies, use of renewable energy, and design of a more energy efficient propulsion system for ships, this study investigated the possibility of combining both diesel and hydro generators in an integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) system for a very large crude carrier (VLCC) tanker ship. The generators, connected in series, supply to both ship’s service power and electric propulsion plant requirement. Unlike other combined electric propulsion system designs for large ships, the configuration makes use of two hydro generators, which operate using a renewable energy source. The hydro generators function under the principle of capturing and converting the kinetic energy and flow-pressure energy of the moving water around the ship’s hull into electrical energy. The power output is directed to the ship’s main power distribution system to support power generation onboard. This study attempted to compare theoretically the ship’s total fuel consumption and overall plant efficiency, when running at full speed on a direct drive diesel-mechanical propulsion system, and on an IFEP system with combined diesel and hydro generator drive.