International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Design and Implementation of Waste Heat Recovery System in MVDC Electric Propulsion Rohan V1, Srivani2 1Power Electronics ,RV college of Engineering, Bengaluru 2Power Electronics ,RV college of Engineering, Bengaluru
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.1 Overview of Marine Power System Challenges Abstract - A more sustainable approach to improving ship energy efficiency involves combining a heat recovery mechanism that utilizes waste energy with an electric propulsion setup based on Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC). This system uses an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) to capture and transform the heat from diesel engine exhaust into electrical energy. This recovered energy is then fed into the MVDC bus through a buck converter. The overall setup includes two independent zones, each powered by diesel generators connected to Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSGs) and regulated by controlled rectifiers to ensure voltage stability. A centralized controller manages power sharing and system regulation in real time. Simulations carried out in MATLAB/Simulink confirm that this configuration enhances total power output, enables balanced load distribution, and supports dynamic operation.
With a strong emphasis on integrating renewable energy sources and increasing overall system efficiency, the global energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation. In this changing landscape, the maritime industry— which is essential to international trade—is under growing pressure to cut down on fuel usage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Marine vessels, which still heavily depend on large diesel engines, are responsible for nearly 2% of the world’s CO₂ emissions. Only 45–50% of the fuel's energy is converted into useful mechanical work by these inefficient engines; the remaining energy is lost as heat through cooling and exhaust systems.[5]. To tackle this issue, a promising approach is to combine electric propulsion systems with Systems for recovering heat from waste (WHRS). By capturing and transforming the otherwise wasted heat into more electrical power, these systems can greatly increase overall energy utilization. The Organic Rankine The cycle (ORC) is a unique WHRS technology for marine applications. It works well with low-temperature heat sources, requires relatively little space, and operates efficiently [12], [18]. ORC systems recover energy via engine exhaust at moderate temperatures by using specific fluids at low boiling points.—making them ideal for the compact and demanding conditions aboard ships.
Keywords: Buck Converter, Simulink, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), Marine Propulsion, Energy Efficiency, Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG), Controlled Rectifier, MVDC, Waste Heat Recovery.
1. INTRODUCTION The need for creative energy solutions in the marine sector has increased due to the growing global concern over fuel usage, emission laws, and sustainability in transportation. Propulsion systems for ships, which are essential components of global trade, must be strong, dependable, energy-efficient, and ecologically benign. This work's innovation is the incorporation of a WHRS based on an Organic Rankine Cycles into a dual-zone MVDC marine propulsion system with centralized PI control, which permits dynamic voltage stability, balanced power sharing, and effective energy recovery.
At the same time, advances in power electronics and electrical system design are driving a shift from traditional alternating current (AC) systems to Direct Current (DC)based marine power networks. Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) systems offer clear benefits: simpler power distribution, lower energy losses, and easy integration with renewable sources and energy storage [6], [8]. The development of marine propulsion is also being shaped by Voltage Source Converter (VSC)-based high-voltage DC systems, which enable two-way power flow, better fault management, and independent control of voltage and frequency—all of which are crucial in the challenging marine environment [7].
To meet these demands, waste heat recovery technologies in conjunction with electric propulsion architectures are demonstrating promise as workable alternatives to conventional diesel-based systems. Examining one such option, a maritime propulsion system that combines a system for recover in heat from waste (WHRS) designed to improve overall energy efficiency, reduce fuel usage, and lower emissions.
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
The presented system introduces and simulates a marine electric propulsion setup that combines a Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) architecture with a System for
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 806