Hybrid power generation and generator modularization using real ship load profiles: a case of container vessel

Hybrid power systems integrating diesel generators, battery storage, and fuel cells offer a potential pathway to reduce shipboard fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluates a reference operation and two hybrid electrical-generation configurations for a container vessel, using two months of measured operational-load data and a rule-based energy management strategy. The configurations combine diesel generators, a battery system, and a hydrogen fuel cell to supply high- and low-voltage loads during sailing, manoeuvring, and port conditions. Results show the modular dual-DG configuration reduces diesel-fuel consumption and onboard CO₂ emissions by approximately 7.5% compared with the single-DG hybrid configuration. Both hybrid configurations supply recorded port loads without operating diesel generators for a cumulative 155.48 h, under assumed hydrogen-refuelling conditions. An illustrative EU ETS assessment indicates generator modularization can reduce carbon-cost exposure, potentially improving FuelEU Maritime and CII performance, though full compliance calculations require further verified fuel-pathway and voyage data.