Optimization of diesel electric machinery system configuration in conceptual ship design

In this paper an optimization based decision support model for determining diesel electric machinery system configuration in conceptual ship design is presented. Load distribution on the engines is considered in the model to ensure that required demand is met with sufficient power supply for all future operational states. A method for fuel consumption calculation is presented, based on determining optimal load distribution amongst the engines related to each engines generalized specific fuel consumption curve. Total fuel costs and appropriate NOX taxes are calculated based on the ship's future operational profiles. A case study is presented to exemplify the use of the model. Results show that the model might be used to obtain valuable insight to expected operational costs and decision support for selecting machinery system configuration.