Design Lab: a simulation-based approach for the design of sustainable maritime energy systems

Abstract

The process of achieving decarbonization in the maritime industry relies on tackling complex issues related to ship design. Designers require tools that can integrate the processes of providing relevant operational profile, configuring a target design, evaluating the design and exploring possibilities. Design Lab framework innovatively addresses this need by creating realistic operational profiles, simulating vessel performance and machinery systems, and providing comprehensive system evaluations. The framework promotes a comprehensive design process that starts by creating an operational profile. This profile is used to simulate the vessel’s propulsion power considering statistical weather conditions. Then, machinery systems are configured and simulations are performed. The performance of these systems is evaluated against key performance indicators such as total cost of ownership, carbon intensity indicator, etc., and the process is iterated with new design candidates. A case study of a hydrogen-fueled RoPax vessel is presented to validate the framework and demonstrate its capabilities. By focusing on simulation-based predictions and performance indicators, it provides a quantitative assessment, thereby supporting the decision-making process for stakeholders.