Work Package 1: Operational scenario Specification and Requirements
After compiling the operational profiles and high-level data for various vessels in the categories of short sea-going ships and inland shipping, an inventory of operational requirements for each ship type was created. A safety assessment for integrating the energy storage system (ESS) on board these vessels was also carried out. Based on the specifications of new ESS types of AENEAS from WP3, including supercapacitors (SC) and solid-state batteries (SSB), three use cases were selected. This selection was made through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the different ships. To support this process, a list of KPIs was defined, and a scoring method was used to identify the most suitable use cases among the various ships. Additionally, a checklist for operational safety was developed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the vessels, particularly when implementing new ESS types was provided. In the following steps, more detailed data for the ships, especially for the selected use cases was provided.
Work Package 2: Concept design and Optimization
Based on the specifications and power profiles of the use-cases from WP1 and the characterization results of ESS technologies in WP3, WP2 developed pre-sizing strategies for energy and power management using the advanced simulation tool AMESIM. High-level simulation components, including models for energy storage systems were created. Additionally, vessel simulation models were developed for the three use cases, incorporating the power-based simulation components. These models enable the use of various vessel architectures and power management strategies, utilizing state-of-the-art ESS and the innovative AENEAS ESS technologies. With respect to the optimization of the vessel architectures, a preliminary optimization algorithm was developed to integrate the ESS into one of the use cases (hybrid RoRo Ferry) aiming to find optimal architecture solutions that balance performance and cost. The procedure for verification of the optimized design’s viability was initiated and a framework for evaluation was defined, identifying necessary parameters like mission profile, weather conditions, and cargo loadings, along with component variations and power management strategy.
Work Package 3: Cell level characterization and model development
This WP faced significant delays due to challenges in manufacturing solid-state batteries (SSB) and late delivery of the test results. Consequently, an alternative technology based on semi-solid state batteries (SSSB) was incorporated into the project. The project now includes three types of energy storage technologies: supercapacitors (SC) sourced from the market after initial screening and assessment, SSBs provided by ABEE, and SSSBs sourced from market by FM. SSSB is intended to be used for numerical study of the ship energy systems in WP2. Characterization tests for these technologies are conducted by CEA for SC and SSSB, and by ABEE for SSB. The parameter identification, which offers insights into the electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior of these technologies, includes parameters such as internal resistance, state of charge evolution, open-circuit voltage (OCV) curves, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity. The modeling of these technologies has been fully completed, and comparisons with experimental results have been validated.
Work Package 4: Conceptual module design, prototyping and functional testing
The conceptual design and preliminary sizing of the SC and SSB modules have been completed. The SC module specifications are 75.6V 0.085kWh and 9.8kW while the SSB module prototype will be 65V, 1.95kWh and 0.98kW. Multi-physics models will be developed to provide essential parameters for the thermal management system design. Initial CAD designs for both the SSB and SC modules have been conducted. The next step involves constructing the hardware to create ESS prototypes for Hardware-in-the-Loop testing in WP5.
Work Package 5: Testing and Validation [M12-M32]
WP5 started focusing on creating real-time simulation models for ship power systems. Interaction with other WPs, such as module sizing from WP4, technical specifications from WP2 & WP1, and test capabilities for HIL and power electronics compatibility, along with preliminary interface testing, were collaboratively defined. The ongoing work will focus on integrating the ESS, PV system, diesel engine, power converters, and power sharing based on specified cases. Following the modeling phase, the design of EMS/PMS and power sharing strategies will begin. The groundwork for the upscaled evaluation of ESS performance within the ship power system has been laid.
Work Package 6: Impact analysis, business models and exploitation
The LCA analysis of the energy storage systems has commenced, and the LCA evaluation framework and necessary data have been established. WP6 will incorporate energy consumption during the ships’ use phase for the use cases, along with quantifying impacts from ESS manufacturing to complete the full LCA. Additionally, a methodology for financial assessment and feasibility analyses has been developed. Data collection from various sources is underway to build a comprehensive fleet database.
