Digital twins are used to enable innovative holistic analyses of maritime energy systems. Among other things, the operating behaviour of a ship is recorded by sensors and continuously compared with validated simulations in order to identify anomalies and optimise efficiency.
The DLR Institute for Maritime Energy Systems researches and develops innovative solutions for the defossilization of-, emissions reduction from-, and enabling increased usage of renewable energy in, waterborne transport. The maritime sector handles 80 percent of international freight transport, forming a key backbone of the world economy. This sector accounts for approximately three percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Most ships today operate on fossil-based heavy fuel oil, which also contributes to unfavorable air quality. In order to transform these applications, the entire energy conversion chain needs to be considered. In cooperation with the maritime industry, the developed solutions are transferred into practice.
Strategic topics and goals
Reduction of emissions by the maritime industry and enabling increased use of renewable energy in waterborne transport
Development, integration, and testing of efficient energy systems in ships (e.g. fuel cells, batteries, DC grids, wind-assist drives, solar panels, etc.)
Onboard energy storage and infrastructure for alternative fuels
Development of design methods for ship integration and reliability assessment of new energy systems
Development of design and evaluation methods and technologies for the provision and distribution of electricity, heating and cooling on board
Development of transportation concepts for import of alternative fuels
Development of port energy supply infrastructure
Development of intelligent discrete, statistical and deterministic simulation methods based on digital twins for controlling and evaluating complex systems
The institute is building large-scale testing infrastructure consisting of an onshore laboratory and a research vessel to test and develop modular energy and ship concepts. This will create an unprecedented range of testing capabilities, efficiently enable method and concept validation through data analysis, and ensure the reliability of the solutions.
