Tools to assess from different perspectives the feasibility of power barge solutions to supply electricity to vessels - The BlueBARGE Project concept

The BlueBARGE Project addresses the design, development, and demonstration of an optimum power-barge solution to provide electricity to moored and anchored vessels, limiting emissions in a life cycle perspective, following a modular, scalable, and flexible design approach. The proposed power-barge solution considers different power system alternatives in the form of containerised power supply modules in a variety of configurations, where battery modules will serve as the basis due to their high energy efficiency and readiness level, supported by other alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen fuel cells.
BlueBARGE introduces a novel hybrid energy concept that combines the higher energy density of lithium (Li-ion) batteries with the innovative Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) solution, which introduces increased safety and lifespan. Inverters, power distribution units and interfacing systems will be crucial for the power-barge alternative design and promoted solution, covering approximately the 20% of the available barge footprint considering only a single level of containers, along with other barge utilities, such as additional mooring and berthing equipment. The rest will be mostly covered by power supply modules. The design will follow a modular and scalable approach to support different use cases, different ship types and power requirements.
Alternative designs are assessed via a multi-objective framework: first, specific KPIs are defined and a multi criteria analysis framework is created. Then, the solutions are compared from technical, environmental, and economical criteria, using quantitative and qualitative values provided by experts. An optimization tool is also developed with the objective of providing optimal sizing alternatives from a multicriteria perspective. Finally, the promoted selection is studied following a detailed cost analysis. This paper describes the assessment framework with a holistic approach and its possibilities for assessing solutions and concepts for offshore and harbour electrification of marine vessels.