Background: Introduction of batteries for energy storage in hybrid ships (diesel and battery) can allow significant fuel savings and contribute to the reduction of emissions in several different types of vessels. The design and sizing of suitable energy storage systems for a specific application should be optimized with respect to the load profiles and the expected lifetime of the batteries. However, for operation of a ship with a hybrid power system, the power management system should be designed to take advantage of the capabilities introduced by the batteries. Furthermore, an Energy Management System (EMS) is needed for deciding how the batteries should be charged and discharged, depending on the actual loads and operating conditions in the ship power system.

Objective: In this project, one main task is to study proper energy storage systems (batteries) and how the storage system should be dimensioned optimally with respect to the load profiles and the expected lifetime of the batteries. On the other hand, the design of the EMS should be studied, with special emphasize on the potential for applying online optimization strategies to increase the utilization of the battery capacity while ensuring that the required power capability is always available to the power system without compromising the lifetime of the batteries.

The focus could be either optimal sizing of the hybrid system or the EMS design, depending on the background and the interest of the student. Therefore, the entire task could be divided into two individual student projects. The ship data will be provided by the industry collaborators.

Collaborator: Ulstein Group (Ulstein Blue Ctrl AS, Ulstein Design & Solutions AS), DNV.