Analysis of the Prospects and Possibilities of Using Solar Electrical Energy Systems on the Transport Fleet

Abstract

In the conditions of the constantly growing threat of global warming, the problem of decarbonization is one of the main ones. Its solution is carried out in different ways, first of all - in the fields of engineering and technology. International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced restrictions on emissions of harmful substances when burning ships' fuel and recommends wind and solar energy. Since marine wind energy requires the creation of complex technical systems, solar energy has fewer problems in its manufacture and implementation and operates when the vessel is stationary. However, marine solar energy has not been widely implemented, which requires an analysis of this problem. It’s the main goal of the performed work, and the search for the most effective implementations of ship solar energy and the development of recommendations based on this analysis is its scientific novelty. Work results. It is shown that the capacity of photovoltaic solar systems of the economical class is  0.175...0.185 kW/m², and the annual average, taking into account sunny days, time of day, operating conditions and location, decreases to 0.02 ... 0.04 kW/m², which reduces possibilities of their use. For the real square of placement of ship solar batteries, a complete replacement of the main engine with them is possible only for pleasure yachts and excursion vessels. For the transport fleet, it is not possible and can be used only as an additional one, capable of replacing 1 to 5% of the main engine's power. However, this indicator is more than the capabilities of other ship systems that have reached a high level of perfection, which limits the of their efficiency growth to <1%. Conclusions. Refusal from using solar energy systems on the transport fleet is equivalent to waste. It is necessary to use all available opportunities for solar panels on ships.