Electric Propulsion Cuts Fishing Boat CO2 Emissions by 7.94 Tons Annually
Category: Resource Management · Effect: Strong effect · Year: 2023
Transitioning traditional fishing boats to battery-powered electric propulsion systems can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and operational costs.
Design Takeaway
When designing or retrofitting marine vessels, prioritize the integration of electric propulsion systems powered by renewable energy sources to achieve significant environmental and economic benefits.
Why It Matters
This research provides a quantifiable benefit for adopting cleaner energy in a specific maritime sector. It demonstrates a clear pathway for reducing environmental impact while also offering economic advantages through lower fuel consumption and emission taxes, which can inform future design decisions for marine vessels.
Key Finding
Switching to electric engines on these fishing boats drastically cuts down on pollution and saves money on fuel and taxes.
Key Findings
- Six batteries are required to meet the daily energy demand of the electric propulsion system.
- The electric propulsion system reduces annual CO2 emissions by 7.94 tons per ship.
- Annual fuel consumption and emission tax reductions amount to approximately 10 million Rupiah per ship.
Research Evidence
Aim: To quantify the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and estimate the fuel cost savings achieved by replacing conventional diesel engines with electric propulsion systems on 'Sandeq' fishing boats.
Method: Comparative analysis and quantitative estimation
Procedure: The study estimated the energy demand of 'Sandeq' fishing boats based on their daily speed, voyage length, and engine capacity. It then calculated the number of batteries required for daily operation and quantified the annual reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel costs after replacing the conventional engine with an electric propulsion system.
Context: Maritime industry, specifically traditional fishing vessels ('Sandeq' boats in West Sulawesi)
Design Principle
Sustainable energy adoption in maritime transport leads to reduced environmental impact and operational cost savings.
How to Apply
When designing new fishing vessels or proposing retrofits for existing ones, conduct a feasibility study to calculate the potential CO2 emission reductions and cost savings associated with electric propulsion.
Limitations
The study focused on a specific type of fishing boat ('Sandeq') in a particular region, and the results may vary for different vessel types, operational profiles, or geographical locations. The energy demand estimation relies on average operational data.
Student Guide (IB Design Technology)
Simple Explanation: Using electric motors instead of diesel engines on fishing boats can make them much cleaner for the environment and cheaper to run.
Why This Matters: This research shows how a specific design choice (electric propulsion) can have a big positive impact on the environment and a user's wallet, which is crucial for designing responsible products.
Critical Thinking: How might the availability and cost of renewable energy sources for charging batteries impact the overall feasibility and environmental benefit of electric propulsion systems in different regions?
IA-Ready Paragraph: The transition to battery-powered electric propulsion systems in maritime applications offers substantial environmental and economic advantages. For instance, research on 'Sandeq' fishing boats demonstrated an annual reduction of 7.94 tons of CO2 per vessel and an approximate saving of 10 million Rupiah in fuel and emission taxes, highlighting the significant benefits of adopting cleaner energy solutions in marine design.
Project Tips
- When researching alternative energy sources, clearly define the scope of your design project.
- Quantify the environmental benefits of your proposed solution using measurable data.
How to Use in IA
- Use the quantified emission reduction (7.94 tons CO2/year/ship) as evidence of environmental benefit in your design project's evaluation section.
Examiner Tips
- Ensure that any claims about environmental benefits are supported by quantitative data and calculations.
Independent Variable: Type of engine propulsion (conventional diesel vs. electric)
Dependent Variable: Annual CO2 emissions reduction, annual fuel consumption and emission tax savings
Controlled Variables: Vessel type ('Sandeq' fishing boat), operational parameters (daily speed, voyage length), engine capacity
Strengths
- Provides specific, quantifiable data on emission reductions and cost savings.
- Focuses on a practical application within the maritime industry.
Critical Questions
- What are the lifecycle environmental impacts of battery production and disposal compared to diesel engines?
- How does the initial investment cost of electric propulsion systems compare to the long-term savings?
Extended Essay Application
- An Extended Essay could investigate the feasibility of implementing electric propulsion across a fleet of commercial fishing vessels, analyzing infrastructure needs, economic incentives, and policy implications.
Source
The influence of battery-powered engine on the reduction of carbon dioxide production from fishing boats · Mechatronics Electrical Power and Vehicular Technology · 2023 · 10.14203/j.mev.2023.v14.208-214