Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 4636: Progress on Research and Application of Energy and Power Systems for Inland Waterway Vessels: A Case Study of the Yangtze River in China

Energies, Vol. 18, Pages 4636: Progress on Research and Application of Energy and Power Systems for Inland Waterway Vessels: A Case Study of the Yangtze River in China

Energies doi: 10.3390/en18174636

Authors:
Yanqi Liu
Yichao He
Junjie Liang
Yanlin Cao
Zhenming Liu
Chaojie Song
Neng Zhu

This study focuses on the power systems of inland waterway vessels in Chinese Yangtze River, systematically outlining the low-carbon technology pathways for different power system types. A comparative analysis is conducted on the technical feasibility, emission reduction potential, and economic viability of LNG, methanol, ammonia, pure electric and hybrid power systems, revealing the bottlenecks hindering the large-scale application of each system. Key findings indicate that: (1) LNG and methanol fuels offer significant short-term emission reductions in internal combustion engine power systems, yet face constraints from methane slip and insufficient green methanol production capacity, respectively; (2) ammonia enables zero-carbon operations but requires breakthroughs in combustion stability and synergistic control of NOX; (3) electric vessels show high decarbonization potential, but battery energy density limits their range, while PEMFC lifespan constraints and SOFC thermal management deficiencies impede commercialization; (4) hybrid/range-extended power systems, with superior energy efficiency and lower retrofitting costs, serve as transitional solutions for existing vessels, though challenged by inadequate energy management strategies and multi-equipment communication protocol interoperability. A phased transition pathway is proposed: LNG/methanol engines and hybrid systems dominate during 2025–2030; ammonia-powered systems and solid-state batteries scale during 2030–2035; post-2035 operations achieve zero-carbon shipping via green hydrogen/ammonia.