Imagine a ship that uses a mix of batteries and super-fast chargers to move without pollution. While batteries hold a lot of energy, they can be slow to react; this project adds 'sprinters' like supercapacitors to handle sudden power spikes. It's like giving a marathon runner a set of sprinting shoes so they can handle both long distances and quick bursts of speed.
Batteries alone often lack the power density needed for sudden loads in ships, leading to shorter lifespans and higher operational costs. There is a need for a coordinated system that balances energy capacity with rapid power delivery.
A DC shipboard microgrid integration and 3D virtual prototypes for hybrid storage (batteries, supercapacitors, SMES) tested up to TRL5.
If you are a ferry operator dealing with high power demands during docking and acceleration — this project developed a hybrid storage system that combines batteries with supercapacitors and SMES. This setup improves battery performance and reduces operational costs for zero-emission waterborne transport.
If you are a trawler owner dealing with fluctuating energy loads during fishing operations — this project developed a DC shipboard microgrid that flexibly shares power between different storage technologies. This helps in transitioning to low-emission vessels while maintaining power stability.
If you are an OSV provider dealing with the need for high power density in harsh marine environments — this project developed a 3D virtual prototype for integrating SMES and supercapacitors into existing structures. This ensures compliance with naval architecture and regulatory requirements.
Based on available project data, cost analysis showed batteries at €500/kWh TCC, while SMES and supercapacitors were found to be higher.
The project aims to reach TRL5 by integrating components into a realistic shipboard power system at the ETEF facility. It is not yet at full-scale industrial deployment, but is paving the ground for a full-scale demonstrator.
Based on available project data, the project focuses on analyzing business models and standardization needs to ensure the exploitation of results and bring technologies closer to market.
The project analyzed regulatory impact for hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) and ensured components comply with environmental, naval architecture, and ship classification requirements.
Lab demonstrations are scheduled for late 2024 and mid-2025.
The consortium is heavily industry-weighted with 8 industrial partners (53% ratio), including 3 SMEs, which suggests a strong focus on commercial viability. With 15 partners across 6 countries (DE, EE, EL, IT, NO, UK), the project balances academic research from 4 universities and 3 research centers with practical industrial application.
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