Project description
Cost-efficient large battery for waterborne transport
The waterborne transport sector is very active, playing a central role in the globalised market. It is also an energy intensive sector that is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint. The EU-funded SEABAT project will provide an alternative to previous energy storage solutions for waterborne transport by developing a full-electric maritime hybrid battery concept. This concept combines two different battery types in a standardised and modular package that may allow it to be produced in larger quantities and profit from economies of scale.
Objective
The overall objective of SEABAT is to develop a full-electric maritime hybrid concept based on (1) combining modular high-energy batteries and high-power batteries, (2) novel converter concepts and (3) production technology solutions derived from the automotive sector. A modular approach will reduce component costs (battery, convertor) so that unique ship designs can profit from economies of scale by using standardised low-cost modular components. The concept is suitable for future battery generations and high-power components that may have higher power densities or are based on different chemistries. Expected results: optimal full-electric hybrid modular solution, minimising the battery footprint and reducing the oversizing (from up to 10 times down to max. 2 times). Validating as a 300 kWh system (full battery system test) at TRL 5, and virtually validating the solution for batteries of 1 MWh and above, using 300 kWh system P-HiL tests.
The result will be a validated hybrid battery solution for capacities of 1 MWh and beyond, a roadmap for type approval and a strategy towards standardisation for (among others) ferries and short sea shipping. The solution will deliver a 35-50% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of maritime battery systems, including 15-30% lower CAPEX investment, 50% lower costs of integration at the shipyard and a 5% investment cost recuperation after the useful life in the vessel.
The SEABAT consortium unites all the necessary expertise for developing the hybrid topology and implementing it in the industry. The market pick-up of the SEABAT solution is maximised by having 20 shipbuilders and integrators in the consortium; they are represented by the SOERMAR association. The stakeholder group, in which end users and port authorities are represented, supports the wide adoption of the SEABAT solution in the European maritime market, and the increase in European skills base in large battery technology and manufacturing processes.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineering
- natural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistryelectric batteries
- natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicstopology
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringautomotive engineering
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringnaval engineeringsea vessels
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
3920 Lommel
Belgium