Techno economic and environmental assessment of wind assisted marine propulsion systems

• In recent years, the increase in marine fuel prices coupled with stricter regulations on pollutant emissions set by the International Maritime Organization have promoted the research in new propulsion technologies and the utilisation of cleaner fuels. This paper describes a novel methodology to enable quantifying and evaluating the environmental and economic benefits that new technologies and fuels could allow in the marine sector. The proposed techno economic and environmental analysis approach enables consistent assessment of different traditional propulsion systems (diesel engine and gas turbine) when operated in conjunction with a novel environmental friendly technology, such as a vertical axis wind turbine. The techno-economic and environmental assessment is focused on the potential reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions that may be accrued while operating on typical Sea Lines Of Communication (Mediterranean, North Sea, Atlantic). The study demonstrates the benefits of the installation of two vertical axis wind turbines on the deck of a ship in conjunction with conventional power plants. The analysis indicates that the performance of the wind turbines and the corresponding benefits strongly depend on the routes and environment in which they operate (therefore favourable wind conditions) allowing fuel savings from 14% (in the gas turbine case) to 16% (in the diesel engine case). The study also indicates that possible benefits may diminish for weak wind conditions. The results reported in this paper establish the economic benefits of installing vertical axis wind turbines in conjunction with conventional technology (Diesel and Gas Turbine Power plants) when installed on a ship travelling through the Atlantic Ocean. The primary purpose of this study is to introduce a methodology to demonstrate the application, performance and economic benefits of the technology at a preliminary design phase and further form a foundation for more elaborate analysis on the subject in the future.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Energiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Energy Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Diesel engine

Fuel consumption

Gas turbine

Pollutant emissions

Vertical axis wind turbine

Combustion

Diesel engines

Economic analysis

Economic and social effects

Engines

Environmental impact assessments

Environmental technology

Fuel economy

Fuels

Gas emissions

Gas fuel analysis

Gas plants

Gas turbine power plants

Gas turbines

Marine engines

Marine pollution

Pollution

Propulsion

Ship propulsion

Ships

Conventional power plants

Environmental-friendly technology

International maritime organizations

Marine propulsion systems

Pollutant emission

Preliminary design phase

Sea lines of communications

Vertical axis wind turbines

Wind turbines

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