Proposed System

Title: Advanced Energy System for Eco-Friendly Cruise Ships

1. Introduction: In the quest for more sustainable and environmentally friendly cruise ship
operations, an advanced energy system is proposed. This system incorporates various cutting-
edge technologies to reduce carbon footprints, improve energy efficiency, and utilize multiple
energy sources. The energy system is centered around a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) or
Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer Cell (MCEC), an Energy Block comprising a Diesel Engine
integrated with a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), waste heat recovery through
Thermoelectric Generators (TEG), and integration of alternative energy sources like solar
photovoltaic (PV) panels.

2. Energy System Components:

a. Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) or Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer Cell (MCEC): The
SOE/MCEC acts as a crucial component for producing hydrogen and oxygen through
electrolysis of water. This hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel in the MCFC, reducing carbon
emissions. The system would be designed to accommodate the capacity and space limitations of
cruise ships, ensuring efficient hydrogen production.

1. Water Supply: Seawater or fresh water can be used as the source of water for the
electrolysis process. Water can be collected from the ship's onboard water storage or
desalination systems, which are common on cruise ships.

2. Electrolysis (SOE/MCEC): Water is fed into the SOE/MCEC system. Electrical energy
from renewable sources (solar PV or TEG) is supplied to the electrolyzer, causing water
electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

b. Energy Block: Diesel Engine and Integrated Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC): The
Energy Block combines a Diesel Engine and an MCFC. The engine operates on diesel fuel
( MDO ) , and the exhaust gases (CO 2) are fed into the MCFC as fuel, enhancing overall energy
efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions. The MCFC generates electricity through
electrochemical reactions, which can be utilized to power various onboard systems.
c. Waste Heat Recovery through Thermoelectric Generators (TEG): Waste heat generated by
the Diesel Engine and MCFC is captured using TEGs, which convert temperature differences
into electrical power. This recovered energy can supplement the onboard power requirements and
improve the overall energy efficiency of the system.

3. Integration of Alternative Energy Sources:

a. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: To further reduce reliance on conventional energy sources,
solar PV panels can be integrated across the cruise ship's surface, such as the top deck or exposed
areas. The electricity generated by these panels is directed to the SOE/MCEC for additional
hydrogen production.

b. Thermo-Electrochemical Generator (TEG) Utilization: TEGs are to be employed to

harness waste heat from the SOE/MCEC process itself. The heat generated during the
electrolysis reaction can be converted into electricity using TEGs, which can then be used to
power auxiliary systems or stored for future use.

Conclusion: The proposed advanced energy system for cruise ships combines various innovative
technologies to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly operation. By integrating solid oxide
electrolysis, molten carbonate fuel cells, waste heat recovery, and alternative energy sources like
solar PV panels and TEG, cruise ships can significantly reduce their carbon footprints while
providing efficient and reliable onboard power. This integrated approach addresses the
challenges of capacity and space limitations, paving the way for a greener future in the cruise
ship industry.

Pros and Cons of the Proposed Energy Systems:

1. Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) / Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer Cell (MCEC) System:

Pros:

 Clean Hydrogen Production: The SOE/MCEC system offers clean hydrogen production
through water electrolysis, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.

 Flexible Fuel Source: The produced hydrogen can be utilized in the MCFC or other fuel
cells, providing flexibility in power generation.
  Waste Heat Utilization: Waste heat generated during the electrolysis process can be
captured and converted into electricity, improving overall energy efficiency.

 Emission Reduction: Hydrogen produced can be used to replace conventional fuels,

reducing the ship's carbon footprint.

Cons:

 High Operating Temperatures: SOE/MCEC systems typically require high operating

temperatures, which may pose challenges in terms of material durability and energy
efficiency.

 Infrastructure Requirements: The integration of hydrogen storage, distribution, and

safety systems necessitates careful design and additional infrastructure.

2. Energy Block with Diesel Engine and Integrated MCFC:

Pros:

 Fuel Efficiency: Integrating a diesel engine with an MCFC allows for the utilization of
engine exhaust gases (CO2) as fuel, increasing overall energy efficiency.

 Emission Reduction: The use of hydrogen and CO 2 as fuel reduces carbon emissions,
contributing to a cleaner operation.

 Waste Heat Recovery: TEGs can capture waste heat from both the engine and MCFC,
maximizing energy recovery.

Cons:

 Hydrogen Infrastructure: Incorporating hydrogen into the system requires proper

infrastructure, such as storage, handling, and safety measures.

 Hydrogen Source: The availability of a reliable and efficient source of hydrogen, such as
from the SOE/MCEC system, is crucial.

3. Integration of Alternative Energy Sources:

Pros:
  Renewable Energy Integration: Solar PV panels provide renewable energy sources,
reducing reliance on conventional fuels.

 Hydrogen Production: Solar energy can power the SOE/MCEC system directly,
enhancing hydrogen production.

 TEG Utilization: TEGs can harness waste heat from various processes, contributing to
onboard power needs.

Cons:

 Space Limitations: Cruise ships have limited space for solar panel installation, which
may restrict the amount of renewable energy that can be generated.

 Intermittency: Solar energy generation is intermittent, depending on weather conditions,

which can affect system stability.

Design Considerations:

1. System Integration and Efficiency:

 The design should ensure seamless integration of all components, allowing for efficient
energy transfer and utilization.

 Optimization of each component's performance, including the SOE/MCEC, MCFC,

TEGs, and alternative energy sources, is crucial for overall system efficiency.

2. Space Utilization:

 Space is a premium on cruise ships, so the design should maximize space utilization for
component installation.

 Compact and modular designs can help fit all components while maintaining operational
efficiency.

3. Material Selection:

 High-temperature operation of SOE/MCEC and MCFC requires durable and thermally

stable materials to ensure long-term performance.
  Selection of materials for TEGs and other components should consider thermal
conductivity, electrical properties, and corrosion resistance.

4. Safety and Redundancy:

 Safety measures for hydrogen handling and storage are essential to prevent accidents.

 Redundancy in critical systems ensures continued operation in case of component

failures.

5. Control and Monitoring:

 Advanced control systems are required to manage the dynamic interactions between
different components and energy sources.

 Real-time monitoring of system performance and diagnostics is essential for efficient

operation.

6. Environmental Impact:

 The design should consider the life cycle analysis and environmental impact of the entire
system, including manufacturing, operation, and disposal.

In summary, the proposed energy systems for cruise ships offer a range of benefits including
emission reduction, energy efficiency, and utilization of alternative energy sources. However,
challenges related to system integration, infrastructure, and intermittent energy sources need
careful consideration during the design phase. Efficient design, material selection, safety
measures, and advanced control systems play a crucial role in realizing the potential of these
advanced energy systems for cruise ships.

1. Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE) / Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer Cell (MCEC) System
Flow Sheet:

Step 1: Hydrogen Production (SOE/MCEC)

1. Water is supplied to the SOE/MCEC system.

2. Electrical energy is applied to the electrolyzer, causing the electrolysis of water into
hydrogen and oxygen gases.
 3. Hydrogen gas is collected for storage and later use.

Step 2: Hydrogen Storage

1. The produced hydrogen is stored in dedicated onboard storage tanks.

2. Hydrogen is available for various applications, such as fuel for fuel cells.

Step 3: Fuel Cell Power Generation (MCFC)

1. Hydrogen from the storage tanks is fed into the MCFC.

2. In the MCFC, hydrogen reacts with CO2 from exhaust gases to produce electricity
through electrochemical reactions.

3. Generated electricity is used to power onboard systems.

Step 4: Waste Heat Recovery (TEG)

1. Waste heat from the MCFC and SOE/MCEC processes is captured using TEGs.

2. The TEGs convert temperature differences into electrical power.

3. The generated electricity is used to supplement onboard power demands.

Water Supply -> SOE/MCEC -> Hydrogen and Oxygen Production -> Hydrogen Storage ->
MCFC -> Electricity Generation -> Onboard Systems

Waste Heat -> TEGs -> Electricity Generation -> Supplement Onboard Power

2. Energy Block with Diesel Engine and Integrated MCFC Flow Sheet:

Step 1: Diesel Engine Operation

1. Diesel fuel is supplied to the diesel engine for combustion.

2. The engine generates mechanical power to drive the ship's propulsion and onboard
systems.

3. Exhaust gases, including CO2, are produced as a result of combustion.

Step 2: CO2 Capture and Hydrogen Production (SOE/MCEC)

 1. Exhaust gases, including CO2, are diverted to the SOE/MCEC system.

2. CO2 undergoes electrolysis, producing oxygen and additional hydrogen.

3. The produced hydrogen can be stored or directly used in the MCFC.

Step 3: Hydrogen and CO2 Fuel Cell Power Generation (MCFC)

1. Hydrogen from the SOE/MCEC system and CO 2 from the diesel engine exhaust are fed
into the MCFC.

2. The MCFC generates electricity through electrochemical reactions.

3. Generated electricity powers the ship's systems and propulsion.

Step 4: Waste Heat Recovery (TEG)

1. Waste heat from the MCFC and diesel engine is captured using TEGs.

2. The TEGs convert temperature differences into electrical power.

3. The generated electricity is used to supplement onboard power demands.

Diesel Fuel Supply -> Diesel Engine -> Mechanical Power Generation -> Exhaust Gases (CO 2) -
> SOE/MCEC -> Hydrogen and Oxygen Production -> Hydrogen Storage -> MCFC ->
Electricity Generation -> Onboard Systems

Waste Heat from Diesel Engine and MCFC -> TEGs -> Electricity Generation -> Supplement
Onboard Power
Figure 1 Proposed System