Multi-Criteria Decision Making using TOPSIS Method for Battery Type Selection in Hybrid Propulsion System

In the maritime sector, many improvements are performed on ship propulsion system. The hybrid propulsion system (HPS) is one of the innovations in the marine sector, considering International Maritime Organization (IMO) energy efficiency measures. The main objectives of the HPS are reduction in fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and minimization of the emissions of gases that harm the environment. The IMO International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI “Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships” determines nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, and particulate matter limits emitted from marine vessels. These limitations will be met with the HPS to be established on marine vessels. Batteries, an Energy Storage System (ESS), are used to drive electric motors, part of the HPS equipment. In this study, battery types are evaluated in terms of their chemical properties, capacities, volumes, weights, energies, specific energies, costs, and life cycle by TOPSIS method and the most suitable battery for the HPS is selected. According to the results, the highest rank (0.643127638) for the HPS is obtained from lithium iron phosphate (LFB) battery that has 200 Ah capacity, 30.55-liter volume, 27.7 kg weight, 92.42 Wh/kg energy density, 987 $/kWh cost, and 400~13,000 life cycle. This study will be a good source for researchers and maritime sector stakeholders, whose studies regard Energy Storage Systems, especially batteries on the HPS in marine vessels.