Model and simulation of operational energy efficiency for inland river ships

A greater understanding of energy efficiency of ships is vital to reduce CO2 emissions. Previous studies have put more emphasis on ocean ships than inland river ones. In order to analyze the operational energy efficiency of inland river ships, and based on the resistance characteristics of different navigation environment factors, a main engine operational energy efficiency model was developed using the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) as monitoring tool. The modeling and simulation, taking advantage of MATLAB/Simulink, were verified by the data onboard. The EEOI model was simulated under different navigation environment conditions. The results showed that the EEOI of the case ship is lower than its sea-going counterpart, and it varies with the main engine speed significantly, the simulation also showed how the EEOI is influenced by navigation environment such as wind, wave and water current.