Stochastic Optimization of Small Modular Reactor and Battery Sizing for Maritime Decarbonization Under Voyage Uncertainties

In the pursuit of maritime decarbonization through alternative clean fuels, integrating advanced energy sources with energy storage systems within all-electric ship power systems offers a valuable pathway to enhance operational efficiency, improve redundancy, and promote environmental sustainability. However, the optimal sizing of reactors and battery energy systems within the confined spaces of ships is crucial for enhancing operational flexibility and reliability. In this study, we present a stochastic model for the optimal sizing of small modular reactor (SMR) units and batteries as clean energy alternative for marine transportation. The model considers voyaging constraints and the impact of varying weather conditions on speed profiles, which result in different propulsion load demands with associated probabilities. We propose a two-stage stochastic programming model that accounts for uncertain demand and energy availability, optimizing the capacities of batteries and primary energy sources across various scenarios. This ensures efficient and reliable load dispatch operations. To validate the proposed approach, it is tested on an MVDC 4-zone model, demonstrating its potential to enhance the efficiency and reliability of all-electric ship operations in real-world scenarios.