Design and analysis of liquid hydrogen-fueled hybrid ship propulsion system with dynamic simulation

Abstract

In this study, we examine a liquid hydrogen (LH2)-fueled hybrid ship propulsion system (HSPS) consisting of an LH2 fuel gas supply system (FGSS), a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), and battery systems. The LH2-HSPS is analyzed through three dynamic simulations, representing different PEMFC outputs, for a 2-MW-class tugboat. During transient states of LH2 FGSS, hydrogen temperature changes from 11 to 41 °C at the LH2 vaporizer outlet. Dynamic simulations considering hydrogen temperature tolerance in the PEMFC system show interruptions of power generation during 1–5 s. In Case 3, where the PEMFC system provides all propulsive power, an energy capacity of 310–1860 kWh is calculated with maximum C-rates of 1C–6C. The average power consumption of the balance of plant in the PEMFC system is 43.64, 27.51, and 44.06 kW for Cases 1–3, respectively. Finally, the battery system's thermal management is well performed for all cases. © 2023 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC