A simulation-based approach to assess the energy consumption and operational feasibility of hydrogen-powered port equipment

Replacing diesel-powered container handling equipment with zero-emission drivetrains offers major environmental benefits but raises concerns about operational feasibility. This work introduces a scalable simulation approach based on graph networks to estimate the energy consumption of container handling equipment. The method is employed to assess how operational conditions and vehicle configurations influence the operational feasibility for hydrogen-powered terminal tractors and straddle carriers. A systematic parameter variation examines the influence of driver behaviour, operational factors, and technical specifications on energy demand and operational range. Results indicate that hydrogen fuel cell systems can meet individual performance requirements of container terminal operations. Payload and driver behaviour govern the energy consumption, while tailoring tank and battery sizes to the intended application enhances feasibility. The findings provide guidance for designing and operating zero-emission container handling equipment in diverse terminal environments.

Subjects

Cargo handling equipment

Feasibility

Fuel cell electric vehicles

Port decarbonisation

Straddle carrier

Terminal tractor

Zero-emission vehicles

DDC Class

629: Other Branches

621.3: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering

Funding(s)

Projekt DEAL

Lizenz

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Publication version

publishedVersion

Name

1-s2.0-S019689042600693X-main.pdf

Type

Main Article

Size

7.08 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Options

A simulation-based approach to assess the energy consumption and operational feasibility of hydrogen-powered port equipment