Preliminary modeling of a ferry methanol fuel cell power plant by using AVL Cruise M software

This paper focuses on modelling and simulation of a full-electric power system for a 25 m passenger transport vessel, equipped with an integrated Fuel Cell (FC)-battery system and using methanol as an alternative marine fuel. Each power plant component is simulated by AVL Cruise-M software to analyze the system dynamic performance under load variation. The study provides resistance and power data from the development of a new Hull Systematic Series, aimed at expanding the low-resistance speed range. Simulation results reveal that the selected battery modules effectively support the FC in meeting power demands during strong load variation. The FC system is intended to operate in steady state condition, due to the presence of methanol processing system. The average hydrogen consumption of 4.8 kg/h is estimated, and the amount of methanol to be stored on board to guarantee 6 voyages is approximately 359 kg.