Cloud-Based Digital Twin for Optimized Multi-Megawatt Charging Control Strategies in Maritime Applications

Maritime transport plays a major role in greenhouse gas emissions, which has prompted initiatives such as the International Maritime Organisation's target to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. Electrification of maritime transport presents a promising solution, evidenced by the increasing adoption of hybrid and electric vessels. Managing the charging process and port-specific variables, however, presents challenges. This paper proposes a cloud-based Digital Twin model for optimizing multi-megawatt charging control strategies for electric vessels. The charger model integrates transformer and converter models, crucial for simulating electrical and thermal behaviours. An electrothermal equivalent circuit model accurately represents battery dynamics. The developed control strategy, divided into upper and lower layers, optimizes energy management and vessel charging processes. The cloud-based implementation utilizes Amazon Web Services, integrating the DT model into a scalable and flexible environment. Simulation tests validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the DT model and cloud architecture. Finally, the paper discusses the road to standardization, highlighting the importance of ship-port communications and providing recommendations for future energy control solutions at port authorities.