Battery Storage in More- and All-Electric Fishing Vessels: Real-Time Simulation and Experimental Verification

The transition of fuel-reliant fishing vessels to more- and all-electric alternatives is essential to reduce the fishing industry's dependence on fuel. Most research on the energy transition in the maritime industry has focused on larger vessels. Larger vessels typically have multiple generation units; however, fishing vessels have fewer onboard resources, making control and operation more challenging. This paper introduces the development of a real-time simulation testbed for small fishing vessels using two Typhoon HIL 604 real-time simulators. Data obtained from an actual purse seine fishing vessel are applied in developing, validating, and benchmarking models for vessel dynamics, propeller behavior, and hydraulic performance. The models are adaptable and represent a 58-foot fishing vessel, including its propulsion system, hydraulic load, and battery storage capable of operating in both grid-forming and grid-following modes. The testbed is then used to examine integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS): during transit, during fishing operations, and during both transit and fishing operations. The results demonstrate the distinct benefits of both small and large battery installations on fishing vessels, including shorter travel time between the harbor and fishing grounds, stable voltage and frequency across operating modes, and reduced noise during fishing operations.