Vessel Advanced Clustered and Coordinated Energy Storage Systems

Project Information

V-ACCESS

Grant agreement ID: 101096831

DOI

10.3030/101096831

Project closed

EC signature date 5 December 2022

Start date 1 February 2023

End date 31 May 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 4 237 872,51

EU contribution

€ 4 237 872,50

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TRIESTE
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - V-ACCESS (Vessel Advanced Clustered and Coordinated Energy Storage Systems)

Reporting period: 2023-02-01 to 2024-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

V-ACCESS aims to improve battery performance for zero-emission waterborne transport by integrating supercapacitors and superconductive magnetic energy storage systems (SMES) into innovative DC shipboard microgrids. The project brings together experts to increase the technology readiness level (TRL) of hybrid storage systems, combining batteries with supercapacitors, SMES, or both. These technologies will be analyzed, modeled, and integrated into realistic shipboard power systems to reach TRL5. Business models and standardization needs will be explored to ensure further exploitation of project results and pave the way for full-scale demonstrators.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1: Conducted comparative assessment of storage technologies for vessels, evaluating power density, energy density, and expected lifetime. Reviewed zero- and low-emission ship types, identifying applications for hybrid energy storage solutions. Analyzed benefits across 13 vessel types, selecting three use cases: an electric ferry, a trawler, and an OSV. Assessed hybrid storage configurations, optimizing designs through numerical scripts.
WP2: Focused on integrating Energy Storage Systems (ESS) into ships, addressing environmental, naval architecture, and regulatory requirements. Ensured ESS components can withstand marine conditions and assessed weight, volume, and space allocation. Used virtual prototyping to fit ESS within existing structures while complying with regulations. Developed a 3D virtual prototype for a ferry vessel, positioning SMES and supercapacitors in designated rooms.
WP3: Analyzed vessel systems and energy storage characteristics. Reviewed DC power system topologies, estimating theoretical short-circuit currents. Explored converter topologies for supercapacitors and SMES, ensuring bidirectional power flow. Studied control strategies, resulting in single-line diagrams. Defined simulation methodology for energy storage in zero- and low-emission vessels. Specified characteristics for lab demonstrations, scheduled for late 2024 and mid-2025.
WP4: Evaluated hybrid energy storage systems (HESS), focusing on environmental impact, costs, efficiency, comparison to batteries, and implementation. Conducted life cycle assessment (LCA) following ISO 14040 standards. Cost analysis showed batteries at €500/kWh TCC, with SMES and supercapacitors higher. Energy efficiency modeling indicated HESS improvements. Analyzed regulatory impact for HESS adoption in marine vessels.
WP5: Aimed to advance Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of novel storage systems. Market study identified entry barriers through cost of goods sold (COGS) assessment. Results suggest potential fivefold COGS reduction in supercapacitor production. Standardization efforts focus on integrating new systems in five areas: electrical, control, auxiliary systems, mechanical factors, and safety. Developing regulatory framework and training programs for zero-emission vessel operation and maintenance.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

1. Advanced hybrid energy storage systems: V-ACCESS is developing innovative combinations of batteries with supercapacitors and/or SMES, pushing beyond current energy storage capabilities in marine applications.
2. Optimized power management: The project is creating advanced control strategies for DC shipboard microgrids, enabling more efficient power sharing between different storage technologies.
3. Virtual prototyping and integration: Detailed 3D models and virtual prototypes are being used to optimize the integration of new storage systems into existing vessel designs, considering structural, spatial, and regulatory constraints.
4. Comprehensive life cycle assessment: The project is conducting in-depth LCA studies of novel energy storage systems, providing valuable data on their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
5. Cost reduction strategies: Analysis of production processes and market factors is identifying potential for significant cost reductions in supercapacitor and SMES technologies.
6. Regulatory framework development: V-ACCESS is contributing to the development of new standards and regulations for the integration of advanced energy storage systems in marine vessels.
7. Skill development for future technologies: The project is creating educational materials and training programs to prepare the maritime workforce for the operation and maintenance of zero-emission vessels with advanced energy storage systems.
8. Simulation and testing methodologies: New approaches for simulating and testing hybrid energy storage systems in marine environments are being developed, enabling more accurate performance predictions and risk assessments.
9. Scalable solutions: The project is laying the groundwork for scaling up these technologies, with the aim of facilitating full-scale demonstrations and eventual commercial deployment.
10. Cross-disciplinary integration: V-ACCESS is combining expertise from various fields, including materials science, electrical engineering, naval architecture, and maritime regulations, to create holistic solutions for the shipping industry's energy transition.