An innovative tool for the evaluation and comparison of different fuels and technologies onboard ships

The paper focuses on the analysis of innovative energy systems onboard ships with the aim to evaluate, in a preliminary stage, which can be the most promising solution depending on the considered application. For this purpose, the dedicated tool HELM developed by the authors’ research group is employed. The tool uses maps reporting the main indicators (weight, volume, costs and emissions) for each component in relation to the installed power and the operational hours required (given by the user as an input), then it compares the results providing the best solution depending on the considered application. The maps have been built from a database developed throughout a wide analysis of the available market solutions in terms of energy generation devices (i.e. fuel cells, internal combustion engines), fuels (hydrogen, natural gas, diesel, methanol) and related storage technologies. The main strong point of HELM resides in its flexibility: it can be used for different typologies and sizes of ships (e.g. ferry boat, cruises, yachts); moreover, the database can be easily updated with more technologies. In this work, the focus is particularly on hydrogen application with PEM Fuel Cells and the use of innovative fuels (methanol, ammonia) in Internal Combustion Engines. Analysing different applications, it will be highlighted how the specific characteristics and priorities of the application affect the results of the best solutions. Furthermore, considering the regulation roadmap for the next years in the maritime context, promising technologies are highlighted also for future scenarios.