Overview
The global optimization of energy systems aboard future and currently operating cargo ships, is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emission in a substantial and cost effective way. It is also of major economic interest in the merchant marine sector.
The most promising approach to accelerate the adoption of low emission-higher energy efficiency cargo ships, is a holistic approach considering the overall production and management of energy aboard ships (including propulsion systems and energy output optimization).
Taking this consideration into account and based on the array of innovative and renewable sources of energy, the INOMANS²HIP concept aims at proposing a break-through energy management system aboard ships based on a preferred DC network integrating all potential sources of energy.
A Life-Cycle Analysis study will be performed. The proposed energy management system will gather data in real time and will be able to anticipate and optimize energy needs for each operational configuration of the ship considering risk levels while systematically favouring less polluting and cost effective sources of energy. The INOMANS²HIP project will therefore contribute to reducing green house gas (GHG) emissions and pollution as a whole (SOx, NOx, noise). It will foster European competitiveness by providing an innovative global advantage to both European equipment manufacturers and shipyards.
The INOMANS²HIP European consortium represents a well balanced combination of European industrial partners, institutions and organisations. It comprises world-class industrial leaders in their fields of activity, leading research organisations and institutions, experts of the world maritime sector and specialists of project management. This unique mix of expertise and knowledge will allows for a successful development of an innovative energy management system optimizing energy efficiency of cargo ships.
Funding
Results
Novel technologies for green and clean ships
Ships are responsible for almost 5 % of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. An EU initiative is designing smart energy management strategies that will result in more energy-efficient shipping.
Cargo ships are significant greenhouse polluters. Improved shipboard engine and energy management systems would not only reduce emissions, but also provide opportunities for European business.
Overall, the EU-funded 'Innovative energy management system for cargo ship' (http://inomanship.eu/ (INOMANS2HIP)) project aims to develop a management system based on integrating all sources of energy. The energy system is intended to gather and analyse engine data in real time, optimising energy needs while also reducing pollution and costs. The project is taking into account mature technologies as well as new and future innovations in development.
Work began with consideration of present and future European drivers for change, including legislation and regulation. Cargo ship architecture was evaluated regarding propulsion and electricity.
Input data was collected for existing cargo ships from current libraries. The project developed on-board energy characteristics for various items of ship equipment. A simulation tool was developed that will be used when analysing energy balance.
A cargo ship travelling from the United Kingdom to the Netherlands was chosen to demonstrate the technologies. On-board data was gathered and will be used by the advanced models and architectures currently under development.
The team investigated various energy systems used by cargo ships, and collected data for environmental and risk assessment studies.
INOMANS2HIP is looking to meet the demand for more energy-efficient, low-emission shipping. By helping to reduce emissions, fuel consumption and related costs, the project should boost the competitiveness of the merchant marine sector in Europe.