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Ammonia-fueled solid oxide fuel cells for maritime applications: A 4E and risk assessment with multi-objective optimization and intelligent control

Author

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  • Mehrabian, Mohammad Javad
  • Hooshmand, Hamid
  • Khoshgoftar Manesh, Mohammad Hasan

Abstract

As the maritime industry seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional diesel engines, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a novel onboard cogeneration system. The system is based on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) powered by ammonia, integrated with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and a multi-technology cooling subsystem. This integrated approach allows for the simultaneous production of power, heating, cooling, and purified water for marine vessels. A thorough evaluation covering energy, exergy, economic, environmental (4E), and risk metrics was conducted. The system achieves a net power output of 2018.88 kW and an overall cogeneration efficiency of 74.41 %, with a total exergy destruction of 5453.23 kW. The economic assessment reveals high viability with a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $24.31/MWh and a rapid investment payback period of just 0.88 years. Furthermore, the environmental impact rate was calculated as 35.35 mpts/h, and the risk assessment confirmed a high safety level with a total risk of 5.68 × 10−6 injured/year. An intelligent algorithm optimizes the system's performance, reducing calculation errors to near zero and achieving desired power outputs efficiently. Finally, a multi-objective optimization using a genetic algorithm was employed to enhance performance. This resulted in a 12 % increase in cogeneration efficiency, a 1.5 % reduction in exergy destruction, and an 11.31 % decrease in the LCOE, demonstrating the system's advanced capabilities and potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Mehrabian, Mohammad Javad & Hooshmand, Hamid & Khoshgoftar Manesh, Mohammad Hasan, 2026. "Ammonia-fueled solid oxide fuel cells for maritime applications: A 4E and risk assessment with multi-objective optimization and intelligent control," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PG).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pg:s0960148125020968
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124432
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    References listed on IDEAS

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