**Harnessing the Sun: A New Dawn for Marine Vessel Energy**
In the vast expanse of the Marmara Sea, a quiet revolution is underway. Researchers are tapping into the power of the sun to fuel marine vessels, a move that could significantly reduce emissions and energy costs in the maritime industry. At the forefront of this innovation is Batuhan Tural, from the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences at Marmara University in Istanbul, Türkiye. His recent study, published in IEEE Access (translated from Turkish as “Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Access”), is making waves in the energy sector.
**Predicting Solar Power with Artificial Intelligence**
Tural’s research focuses on the design and economic analysis of photovoltaic (PV) power systems for marine vessels. The study utilizes artificial neural networks (ANN) to predict solar radiation, a crucial factor in determining the efficiency of PV systems.
“We trained our ANN model with data from 12 different points in the Marmara Sea,” Tural explains. “The model’s performance was impressive, with an average mean squared error of just 0.00098 and a regression value of 0.99997.”
**Comparing Simulation Tools for Optimal Design**
The predicted solar radiation data was then used to model a PV power system for a marine vessel. Tural and his team analyzed the system’s performance using seven different simulation programs: HOMER, SAM, RETScreen, PVSOL, PVsyst, PVWatts, and PVGIS.
“The results were enlightening,” Tural shares. “HOMER produced the maximum energy output at 23,193 kW, but it was also the most expensive. On average, the simulation programs predicted an annual energy production of 20,771 kW.”
**A Greener, More Economical Future**
The study’s findings highlight the potential of PV systems to reduce emissions and energy costs in the maritime industry. Tural’s research shows that the use of PV systems can lead to an annual decrease of 45.01 kg in SO2 emissions and 18,166 kg in CO2 emissions. Moreover, a reduction of 0.2542 USD in energy costs was observed.
“This study contributes to the literature in optimizing the use of renewable energy sources in moving platforms and comparing the programs,” Tural states. “It’s a step towards a greener, more economical future for the maritime industry.”
**Shaping the Future of Marine Energy**
The implications of Tural’s research are far-reaching. As the world grapples with climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources, his work offers a promising solution for the maritime industry. By harnessing the power of the sun, marine vessels can reduce their carbon footprint and cut energy costs, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, Tural’s research serves as a beacon of innovation, guiding the way towards a cleaner, greener future. His work is a testament to the power of artificial intelligence and renewable energy, and a reminder that the solutions to our most pressing challenges often lie in the most unexpected places.
