Integrating Supercapacitors with Diesel Engines for Transient Power Delivery to Marine Propellers

This paper presents a novel hybrid marine propulsion system that integrates a supercapacitor bank with a diesel propulsion engine via an electromechanical power takeoff. Unlike conventional solutions, the proposed system offers a more compact design while maintaining optimal performance. The supercapacitor assists the diesel engine by compensating for power fluctuations caused by wave disturbances and swell, thereby reducing stress on the marine engine and improving fuel efficiency. A simplified Simulink model of the propeller has been developed to evaluate system performance in terms of torque, speed, thrust, resistance, and boat velocity. Simulation results validate the system’s ability to handle rapid power fluctuations better than batteries. The findings highlight the potential of supercapacitor-assisted hybrid propulsion to enhance marine vessel performance, optimize energy management, and reduce carbon emissions.