Objectives To address the growing complexity of ship hybrid power systems, this study proposes a forward modeling approach based on multi-loop feedback to enhance modeling accuracy and performance, with a focus on the coupling characteristics of mechanical and electrical systems.

Methods Firstly, a 7 500-ton inland bulk carrier operating on the Yangtze River is selected as the case study. The topological structure and operational modes of its power system are analyzed. A diesel–gas–electric hybrid power system model is constructed in Simulink, which includes a rule-based energy management strategy and a power controller. Then, based on measured data, the model's applicability is evaluated in terms of fuel consumption, speed control response, charging and discharging characteristics, power generation behavior and ship–engine–propeller matching. Finally, the effectiveness of the Simulink model in energy management strategy development is assessed by comparison with existing power flow model and AMESIM model.

Results Simulation results indicate that the model exhibits excellent responses in terms of speed and power, accurately replicating the dynamic behavior of the target vessel with a margin of error less than 4%. The ship–engine–propeller matching characteristics under four operating modes are consistent with those of the actual vessel, effectively capturing the influence of intermediate losses, control dynamics, mode transitions, and converter disturbances on the energy management process. Moreover, the model supports real-time simulation on dSPACE with a time step of 0.001 s, demonstrating strong real-time performance.

Conclusions The research outcomes can serve as a reference for long-term testing across full operating conditions in the energy management of multi-energy hybrid power systems.