While doing economic analysis using TCO-NPV of different solar electric and hybrid vessels over the last few years, I realised that the analysis need to simplified for wider adoption. The first step is understanding cost of energy (mechanical or electrical) from the various sources of energy on a vessel – diesel, battery, solar, wind or fuel cell. I have attempted to put this framework in a draft paper titled, “Cost of energy in a vessel”. Some interesting insights one can get with this analysis:
- Electrification of vessel will happen in countries with wider spread of costs of energy (and not necessarily the spread of gird and diesel costs).
- Electrification of auxiliary to be done first before propulsion because that is economical.
- Adoption of H2 in near term (5$/kg) will happen in few countries whereas in long term (2$/kg) in most countries. It may not happen in some too!
- Use of solar can significantly reduce OPEX only in application where solar can have a meaningful contribution in total energy.
- Among hybrid configuration parallel hybrid has lower OPEX than series hybrid.
Access the draft paper and do give me feedback to improve it. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379047865_Cost_of_energy_in_a_vessel
This is part of the book, “Solar Electric Boat Edn 2“
Sandith Thandasherry 