Assessing the Potential of Hybrid Systems with Batteries, Fuel Cells and E-Fuels for Onboard Generation and Propulsion in Pleasure Vessels

Gianluca Pasini, Filippo Bollentini, Federico Tocchi and Lorenzo Ferrari ()
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Gianluca Pasini: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Filippo Bollentini: Sanlorenzo S.p.a., 19126 La Spezia, Italy
Federico Tocchi: Sanlorenzo S.p.a., 19126 La Spezia, Italy
Lorenzo Ferrari: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 24, 1-15

Abstract: Electro-fuels (E-fuels) represent a potential solution for decarbonizing the maritime sector, including pleasure vessels. Due to their large energy requirements, direct electrification is not currently feasible. E-fuels, such as synthetic diesel, methanol, ammonia, methane and hydrogen, can be used in existing internal combustion engines or fuel cells in hybrid configurations with lithium batteries to provide propulsion and onboard electricity. This study confirms that there is no clear winner in terms of efficiency (the power-to-power efficiency of all simulated cases ranges from 10% to 30%), and the choice will likely be driven by other factors such as fuel cost, onboard volume/mass requirements and distribution infrastructure. Pure hydrogen is not a practical option due to its large storage necessity, while methanol requires double the storage volume compared to current fossil fuel solutions. Synthetic diesel is the most straightforward option, as it can directly replace fossil diesel, and should be compared with biofuels. CO 2 emissions from E-fuels strongly depend on the electricity source used for their synthesis. With Italy’s current electricity mix, E-fuels would have higher impacts than fossil diesel, with potential increases between +30% and +100% in net total CO 2 emissions. However, as the penetration of renewable energy increases in electricity generation, associated E-fuel emissions will decrease: a turning point is around 150 gCO 2 /kWhel.

Keywords: E-fuel; fuel cell; lithium batteries; hybrid system; pleasure vessel; efficiency; storage volume; CO 2 emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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