Intelligent Energy Management System for Hybrid Fuel Cell/Battery Powered Ships

Hydrogen and low-temperature fuel cells can be used for some zero emission maritime applications. However, hydrogen driven fuel cells normally require hybridization with batteries to ensure a stable power supply. Hence, the development of a zero-emission systems based on a hybridized battery-fuel cell system, with an advanced control strategy is essential to regulate the output power of the proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) within the high efficiency range and to accurately manage the energy between the batteries, PEMFCs system and loads. In this work, an intelligent energy management strategy (EMS) for PEMFCs/lithium-ion batteries-based hybrid power system (HPS) for zero-emission ships is proposed. A neural network-based EMS is used to properly control the power distribution between the hybrid power system components to match the load power profile demand and minimize fuel cell degradation. The overall system is modelled and simulated under the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Experimental results of the system operation based on the considered case study of the double-ended ferry operating in Denmark are presented. Finally, the results are discussed, and the suitability of the designed EMS for hybrid zero-emission power system is validated.