LEVERAGING AN INSTALLED STANDALONE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FOR ECO-FRIENDLY SHIPPING

This paper proposes an effective strategy to make an installed standalone photovoltaic energy system multifunctional by using stored energy in the batteries during different operational profiles of a ship. The authors had proposed a PV system for a typical vessel with an electrical load demand of 11,888 kW that can power the non -essential sailing loads during preferential tripping. To offset the challenges faced by the installation of the standalone PV system to some extent, it is made multifunctional by delivering power to specific loads and its feasibility is also explored. By using stored PV energy to power non -essential harbour loads and continuous harbour loads, the total load demand on harbour generators can be reduced by 30.56% and 44.61%, respectively. The percentage of loads to be supplied from PV energy can be decided based on the efficiency curve of the generator. Furthermore, the installed PV system can also be utilised to extend the backup period of the emergency generator to 1.17 hours. By utilising the installed PV energy system in various ways, the consumption of fuel by ship generators and the emission of carbon dioxide can be reduced. As a result, the payback period of the PV installation can be shortened. Additionally, this approach guarantees maximum comfort for both the crew and passengers on luxurious ships. Thus, this approach encourages an eco-friendly way of utilising renewable energy resources in the shipping industry.