Hybrid Propulsion System for Ships

A hybrid propulsion system combines two or more power sources or energy-conversion methods to move a vessel. In ships, this can include gas turbines, diesel engines, electric motors, generators, batteries, and energy-management controls. The arrangement is designed to match propulsion power to operating conditions, potentially improving flexibility, efficiency, redundancy, and emissions performance compared with relying on one power source alone.

SimTurbo supports the gas-turbine and control-analysis portion of hybrid propulsion studies through component-based architecture, steady-state modeling, transient simulation, and control-system validation. Engineers can investigate engine operating points, fuel use, thermal behavior, shaft arrangements, and response to changing loads. Exportable data also enables further analysis in tools such as Excel, MATLAB/Simulink, or Python alongside broader vessel-system models.

Yes. SimTurbo can simulate dynamic operating conditions such as engine startup, shutdown, acceleration, deceleration, throttle changes, load changes, sensor response, actuator dynamics, and fault conditions. This helps engineering teams assess how a gas-turbine-based propulsion system responds beyond a single design point. Transient analysis is especially useful when evaluating control logic, stability, protection strategies, and changing power demand.

The platform supports physics-based representations of key gas turbine components, including inlets, compressors, combustors, turbines, nozzles, shafts, recuperators, and afterburners. Users can configure component relationships and study matching, operating points, thermal-cycle behavior, and performance effects. For hybrid ship studies, these engine-level results can inform wider assessments of power generation, propulsion demand, and control strategies.

Yes. SimTurbo includes control-oriented capabilities for developing and validating PID controllers, fuel scheduling, start and shutdown logic, actuator and sensor models, gain scheduling, engine protection, and closed-loop behavior. Engineers can evaluate transient response, system stability, and fault-related scenarios before progressing to more advanced validation workflows. Built-in control components include PID controllers and limiters.

Yes. SimTurbo supports evaluation of advanced gas turbine configurations such as recuperated, regenerated, reheated, intercooled, and afterburning cycles. Comparing these arrangements can help teams study heat recovery, thermal efficiency, fuel consumption, emissions considerations, and performance tradeoffs. A consistent simulation environment makes it easier to document assumptions and compare candidate propulsion concepts on equivalent operating conditions.

Yes. SimTurbo is positioned for university engineering programs, laboratories, faculty research, capstone projects, and student learning. Its graphical interface and component-based approach can support classroom demonstrations and practical exploration of thermodynamics, propulsion, controls, and transient behavior. The company also offers university class and lab program specials, along with custom or discounted student licensing options.

Engineers can begin with the available 30-day free trial for control-system design capabilities or arrange a 30-minute online SimTurbo features demonstration through the booking calendar. The team can also discuss engineering consultation, university licensing, and suitable simulation workflows for a specific propulsion study. Starting with defined performance, transient, and control objectives helps focus the evaluation on relevant model outputs.