Modular battery systems for boats

Challenge

Affordable electrification for ships

Electric propulsion in shipbuilding is often costly and customisation-intensive, as there is no mass production as with road vehicles. DAMEN wanted to create economies of scale through standardisation to make electrification more affordable and sustainable.

Technologies

Modular battery system and smart simulation

Together with Flanders Make, DAMEN developed a modular battery system within the European SEABAT project that reduces costs and is compatible with different types of ships. In addition, an online battery sizer was built that calculates the optimal battery configuration based on ship parameters.

Power and Energy Components and Systems

Advancing electric machines, batteries, power electronics, transmissions and thermo-fluid energy systems.

Result

Efficient, sustainable and flexible

The battery sizer supports hybrid and monotype systems, encourages reuse and recycling, and can perform simulations for a wide range of vessels. In this way, DAMEN and other companies are taking important steps towards circular, cost-efficient maritime electrification.