Yield Calculations of a PV System Integrated in Cruise Ships: A Case Study in the Waters of the Caribbean

Abstract

Facing the problem of air and marine pollution, the shipping industry has shown a rising interest in developing low-emission vessels. Passenger cruise ships i.e. make a particular contribution to the deterioration of air quality, not only in port areas but also in open waters. The implementation of renewable technologies is considered as an important solution. In this study a method is reported which allows yield calculations of a photovoltaic system integrated in cruise ship balconies. Geographic, atmospheric and structural aspects are considered in the simulation. The latter also involves the very variable shading due to the ships movement. On the basis of a conceptual PV system, first results for a 14-day cruise in the Caribbean Sea are presented. These indicate a solar energy yield in the GWh range, considering a cruiser with more than 2000 cabin balconies.