Modelling and solar PV contribution to marine electric propulsion

Efficiency improvement and emissions reduction initiatives world-wide are creating a significant opportunity for Australian shipbuilders. However, the application of electrical and renewable-energy technologies in vessels built by Australian aluminium shipbuilders is at least five years behind their European counterparts. This research project reviewed international progress in marine electrical and renewable energy systems research and development. It also identified and highlighted the market drivers for high-efficiency vessel development in Australia. A software model for use in the preliminary design of marine electric propulsion systems was investigated. The model development was commenced with an investigation of methods for approximating hull and propeller performance using minimal input parameters. The model was checked using the performance of the first all-electric ferry to operate on the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia. The application of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to marine propulsion was investigated. An index was developed for calculating a vessel’s maximum feasible power by solar PV (MFPS). A solar PV battery charger was designed for a shunting locomotive, along with a reference PV cell and data logging equipment. The use of a locomotive provided a moving platform with some similarities to a shipboard solar PV installation, but with the benefit of continuous operation within 3.5km of two Bureau of Meteorology weather stations. Analysis of the weather and insolation data sets provides insights for improving the design of future marine solar PV installations