Solar Energy Assisted Bulk Carrier

Sustainable technologies are appraised as one of the most substantial ways to lessen the detrimental effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. A desirable application of renewable energy is through a solar panel array that converts solar into electrical energy. The main aim of this research is to study, design and analysis of a solar energy assisted bulk carrier, operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Where, a solar panel array that can be rolled to place will be installed on the deck and its power output will be utilised to alleviate the electrical load of the bulk carrier, thus decreasing the emissions and optimising the economic returns. Primarily, the operational profile of the case vessel was established, hence the electrical load demand. Secondly, a simulation regarding the power configuration of the photovoltaic array was modelled in MATLAB-Simulink, based on the meteorological data along the business area of the ship. Then, the powering associated costs and environmental impact of the proposed system, were evaluated using the Life Cycle Assessment method. The results obtained were promising, as a reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 6.0E+06 kg CO₂, 7.0E+04 kg SO₂, 1.0E+04 kg PO₂ and 3.0E+03 kg C₂H₄ were reasoned, when compared with the conventional system. Similarly, from the cost-benefit perspective, with an increase in future fuel and lubricating oil prices of 15% every 10 years from the current rates, the payback time of the hybrid system was found as 12 years and a present value savings of 2,409,349 USD was deduced. Remarkably, the book highlights an 8 - 12% overestimate in the power production of the photovoltaic generator when the received irradiation is utilised rather the absorbed, which directly affects the environmental and economic returns of the system. The findings of this study can be utilised to aid shipowners regarding the potential of solar panels deployed on bulk carriers, while the methodology followed can be useful on the type of ships and under what conditions solar energy may be a beneficial alternative.