| Summary: | The work described in this thesis encompasses multiple aspects related to the development of hybrid marine power systems utilizing proton exchange membrane fuel cells and batteries. The focus is placed on the definition of methodologies that can help define the composition of the powerplant and its control. The developed methodologies are based upon a series of models that can simulate the powerplant, allowing the observation of the component’s behavior during operation. The analysis of the results obtained from simulations is used to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of a specific powerplant configuration, and allows to set a benchmark for operation optimization. The first two Chapter of the thesis introduce the KPN H2Maritime project, and important aspects of hydrogen production, storage and distribution. The knowledge of these topics is fundamental in understanding the challenges encountered in relation to the adoption of hydrogen systems for transportation purposes. Such challenges are not limited to the technical limitations of fuel cells, batteries and power electronic components, but include a series of factors that are independent from the powerplant. Some of these factors are hydrogen safety, hydrogen storage and hydrogen production. Chapter three is dedicated to an overview of conventional maritime powerplants, hybrid electric powerplants and possible conversions into fuel cell/battery powerplants. The study of the conventional system, mainly the ones utilizing internal combustion engines, is fundamental as it sets a standard for performances and operational flexibility that has to be met by the newly designed hybrid systems. The definition of design criteria for hybrid powerplants utilizing proton exchange membrane fuel cells and batteries starts in Chapter four with the description of a quasi-static model to study the onboard power generation, storage and distribution during a vessel’s operations. The model is developed as a simulation tool and is used to define possible powerplant ...
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