Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Design, Power Management and Control

Dear Colleagues,

Maritime decarbonization imperatives and stringent emission regulations are driving the adoption of hybrid propulsion systems in modern vessels. These systems integrate conventional diesel generators with energy storage facilities (e.g., lithium batteries and ultracapacitors) and renewable sources, enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility. Optimized power management can effectively reduce fuel consumption through dynamic load control and hybrid energy storage coordination. However, challenges persist in system design, real-time energy management under volatile sea conditions, and ensuring safety during power–source transitions. Advances in smart control and multi-objective optimization are critical to overcoming these barriers.

This Special Issue, entitled "Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Design, Power Management and Control", seeks high-quality research addressing these challenges. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. System Design and Optimization: Novel architectures for hybrid propulsion, component sizing, and multi-objective trade-offs (efficiency, cost, and emissions).
2. Energy Management Strategies: Adaptive control algorithms (e.g., fuzzy logic, ECMS, and model predictive control) for power allocation between generators, batteries, and ultracapacitors.
3. Stability and Safety: Mitigation of torque/power fluctuations using hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) and fault-tolerant control.
4. Advanced Control Systems: Real-time optimization of engine–generator sets, HESS coordination, and dynamic response enhancement.
5. Sustainability Integration: Role of fuel cells, hydrogen, and renewables in hybrid propulsion and lifecycle analysis.
6. Validation Methods: Digital twin simulations, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and case studies on real vessel operational data.

We welcome original research and reviews that bridge theoretical innovation with practical implementation, fostering safer, greener, and smarter maritime propulsion.

Prof. Dr. Yu Ding
Dr. Congbiao Sui
Guest Editors

Dr. La Xiang
Guest Editor Assistant

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