Energy efficiency of integrated electric propulsion for ships - A review

There has been mounting concerns over energy consumption and environmental impacts due to an increase in worldwide shipping activities. The International Maritime Organization has adopted regulations to impose limits on greenhouse gas emissions originated from fuel combustion of marine vessels. Such regulations are introduced in terms of energy efficiency design index and energy efficiency operational indicator. Extensive electrification of ship propulsion and shipboard power systems has been vastly proposed in the literature to make onboard energy systems more efficient. However, energy efficiency in the context of maritime transport is becoming even more stringent. Various technologies and operational practices therefore are being proposed to ensure full compliance with the tightening restrictions. The methods to increase energy efficiency and environmental performance of all-electric ships to satisfy such requirements involve integration of energy storage with a contribution of intelligent power management to optimize power split between various power generation sources; a tendency toward DC power distribution due to eliminating the need of all generators to be synchronized at a specific frequency; installation of unconventional propulsors for greater maneuverability requirements while keeping fuel consumption low; adoption of low carbon content fuel like liquefied natural gas for dual fuel diesel electric propulsion; establishment of onboard renewable energy systems for alternative clean power options; fuel cell integration in complementary operation with conventional diesel generators. This paper identifies promising technologies and practices that are applicable to onboard energy systems of all-electric ships and also reveals energy efficiency sensitivity of all-electric ships to different applications. The proposed strategies should be eventually combined with alternative technology-based and operational-based measures as implemented on conventional propulsion ships in order to realize full potential for energy efficient operation.