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Techno-Economic and Environmental Evaluation of a Solar Energy System on a Ro-Ro Vessel for Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Michail Serris

    (Department of Naval Architecture, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Paraskevi Petrou

    (Department of Naval Architecture, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Isidoros Iakovidis

    (Department of Naval Architecture, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

  • Sotiria Dimitrellou

    (Department of Naval Architecture, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

The increased use of fossil fuels in transportation is considered a major cause of environmental pollution and climate change on a global scale. In international shipping, regulations and strict measures have been introduced by the International Maritime Organization to achieve the goal of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, with the envisage to reach net-zero GHG emissions close to 2050. Renewable energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, can be implemented on new-build or existing marine vessels as an effective alternative source for auxiliary power generation, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and contributing to decarbonization. In the present paper, a sustainable retrofit design using PV panels on an existing Ro-Ro vessel is analyzed for its feasibility. The proposed system is used for energy production during ship cargo operations and takes advantage of the large space area on the upper deck and its continuous exposure to sunlight during its voyage. To investigate the effectiveness of the PV system as an alternative to fossil fuel consumption, an environmental and economic evaluation is performed. According to the results obtained, the solar PV system can provide approximately 88% of the required energy annually for lighting during ship cargo operations, with the corresponding fuel savings and emission reductions, making the investment economically feasible, with a high potential to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Michail Serris & Paraskevi Petrou & Isidoros Iakovidis & Sotiria Dimitrellou, 2023. "Techno-Economic and Environmental Evaluation of a Solar Energy System on a Ro-Ro Vessel for Sustainability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:18:p:6523-:d:1236898
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    References listed on IDEAS

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