Comparative analysis between PSV with mechanical, diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion

The growing importance of reducing emissions of polluting gases has become a significant international concern, leading the shipping industry to develop viable alternatives to achieve this reduction. Among the solutions is the adoption of diesel-electric propulsion systems or hybrid propulsion systems with batteries compared to the mechanical system on vessels with large power variations in their operational profile.

The main objective of this study is to analyze three different propulsion systems (conventional mechanical, diesel-electric and battery hybrid) for a PSV-type vessel. The analysis used real data from a PSV with mechanical propulsion. Using the real power demands of the engines and the vessel's electrical balance, the diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion systems were sized and chosen for comparison. With the operational profile, the estimated fuel consumption was analyzed. Finally, a cost analysis was carried out between the three systems, including capital costs and operating costs.