B6390 - Marine Power and Auxiliary Systems – B

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with knowledge of propulsion systems and onboard auxiliary plants, analyzing their components, operating principles, and methods of design and optimization. Students will be able to compare different technologies, evaluating innovative and sustainable solutions in compliance with environmental regulations. Particular attention is devoted to next-generation naval propulsion systems, with a specific focus on hybrid and electric solutions. Students will acquire knowledge of the main electrochemical technologies, such as batteries and fuel cells, and their integration onboard. By the end of the course, they will also be able to develop energy management strategies aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing consumption and emissions, and ensuring safety and reliability.

Course contents

Course Contents:

Hybrid adn FUll Electric Propulsion Plants: Overview of hybrid, and fully electric propulsion systems.

Electrochemical Devices for Hybrid and Electric Marine Energy Systems: Battery Technologies: Types and applications in marine systems, Fuel Cells: Introduction to Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and their integration into maritime energy systems.

Energy Storage and Management: Strategies for energy storage, management, and integration of batteries and fuel cells with traditional, hybrid, and fully electric propulsion systems.

Propulsors: Numerical modelling and performance assessment, integration within propulsion systems, analysis of four-quadrant operating conditions, and methods for the application and optimisation of propeller performance.

Ship Propulsion Modelling and Control

•  Numerical Modelling: Numerical simulation of hybrid, and fully electric propulsion systems, incorporating diesel generators, electric machines, batteries, and fuel cells for holistic system-level analysis.
• Propulsion Control Systems: Synthesis and design of control architectures for hybrid and electric propulsion. Emphasis on control strategies such as PID and model predictive control (MPC), with attention to adaptability under varying operational scenarios, including speed profiles, load variations, and environmental disturbances.

Energy Management for Hybrid and Electric Propulsion

•  Energy Management Strategies: Algorithms for efficient real-time load sharing between batteries, fuel cells, and prime movers, ensuring optimal power flow and operational resilience.
• Hybrid System Optimisation: Multi-objective strategies aimed at improving fuel economy, reducing emissions, and enhancing energy efficiency across different mission and operating profiles.
  

Readings/Bibliography

• Lecture notes provided by Prof. Coraddu
• Carlton, J. (2018). Marine propellers and propulsion. Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Coraddu A. et al. (2024) State-of-Art Energy Management Strategies for Hybrid Fuel Cell Applications for Ships, Springer Nature.
• Berg, H. (2015). Batteries for electric vehicles: materials and electrochemistry. Cambridge university press.
• Brodd, R. J. (Ed.). (2012). Batteries for sustainability: selected entries from the encyclopedia of sustainability science and technology. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Larminie, J., Dicks, A., & McDonald, M. S. (2003). Fuel cell systems explained (Vol. 2, pp. 207-225). Chichester, UK: J. Wiley.
• Ter-Gazarian, A. (1994). Energy storage for power systems. Peter Peregrinus Ltd.
• Fossen, T. I. (2011). Handbook of marine craft hydrodynamics and motion control. John Willy & Sons Ltd.
• Woud, J. K., anf Stapersma, D. (2002). Design of propulsion and electric power generation systems. IMarEST.

Teaching methods

The course combines traditional lectures with interactive learning techniques, supported by numerical exercises and computer-based simulations. Students actively engage in applying engineering principles to real-world scenarios, such as propulsion chain design and auxiliary system sizing.

Computational tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and Python are employed to model and simulate propulsion and auxiliary system behavior under realistic conditions. This hands-on approach deepens theoretical understanding and prepares students to handle complex design and operational tasks in marine engineering practice.

Assessment methods

The assessment is divided into two parts: one written and one oral. In the written exam, students must demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve engineering problems related to marine propulsion and auxiliary systems.

The oral exam will assess the student’s overall understanding of the course content and their ability to synthesize the knowledge acquired during the lectures. During the oral session, the student is expected to demonstrate a sufficient mastery of the topics covered and an ability to critically integrate and explain the concepts discussed throughout the course.

The final grade will be calculated as the average of the grades obtained in the written and oral examinations.

Grade Breakdown Criteria

Grade Range: 18–19
Description: Significant gaps in understanding across several topics. Analytical skills emerge only with support from the instructor. Expression is generally correct but limited.

Grade Range: 20–24
Description: Preparation limited to a few topics. Independent analysis is possible only for basic, procedural problems. Language use is correct.

Grade Range: 25–29
Description: Broad preparation covering many course topics. Ability to perform analyses and synthesize information. Solid command of subject-specific terminology.

Grade Range: 30–30 cum laude
Description: Complete preparation across all topics. Fully autonomous analytical and synthetic reasoning, especially in marine propulsion and system-related problems. Mastery of technical terminology.

Teaching tools

Lessons and exercises are carried out on whiteboard/blackboard and with the help of a personal computer and slides (Power Point, MATLAB, python).

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Coraddu