Configurations optimization of a tug ship propulsion system : a life cycle assessment case study

Wang, Haibin and Liang, Yibo and Jeong, Byongug and Mesbahi, Ana and Zhou, Peilin (2019) Configurations optimization of a tug ship propulsion system : a life cycle assessment case study. In: Young Researchers Seminar 2019, 2019-06-05 - 2019-06-07.

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Abstract

Nowadays, global warming has been attracting researchers and scientists' attentions due to the severity of its environmental impacts. The global warming effect is mainly caused by CO2 from the consumption of fossil fuel. Not only CO2 has drawn the attention from scientists but also acid gaseshave, such as SOx and NOx which will lead to acid rains after released into the atmosphere. All these pollutions are a result of burning fossil fuels; therefore, the control and reduction of emissions from human activities isone of the most interesting topicsall over the world. There are many solutions proposed or tested to meet the demands, such as alternative fuel, hybrid system and route optimizations. They all are trying to increase energyefficiency and reduce the emission generated and released. The selection of alternative fuel with a reducedcontent of sulphur will generate less amount of SOx. Also,the usage of liquefied natural gas will help reduce emissions too, such as NOx, SOx and CO2. Some vesselsapply bio-fuel engines on board which is considered to be able to reduce the carbon emissions as the fuel is generated from the plants who are continuously absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. The hybrid system, which is another way to mitigate the air pollutions, either uses renewable energy or power from the powerplant (bulk energy provider) whoseemission will be much lower than traditional power systems. With the rising of the forecasting technologies and databases, the sea conditions of vessel route (wind, wave, tidal) can be predicted and the optimal route with lowest fuel consumption but an acceptableschedule can be determined. All these technologies will help mitigate the current global warming and acidification situations. However, there is only a few discussions or research work carried out on the ship power output management from the perspective of emission control and environmental protection. This paper will focus on a tugboat power output management to find out the optimal engine configurations and engine output according to the power demand of the vessel. The optimal configurations will enable the engine to be operated under most effective loads with lowest fuel oil consumption and NOx emissions. To expand the analysis and consider the whole life span of a vessel, the life cycle assessment will be carried out to indicate the performance of ship power output management through the vessel's whole service life.

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