Rolls-Royce has launched a lithium-ion-based energy storage system for ships with an aim to offer a clean, safe and cost-efficient system to ship owners.

The liquid-cooled battery system, SAVe Energy, features a modular design to enable scaling in accordance with energy and power requirements of various types of ships.

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It also meets the criteria of global regulations for low and zero emission propulsion systems.

Class-approved by DNV GL, SAVe Energy further complies with the latest 2018 ruleset and can be installed on all DNV GL-classed vessels.

Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine Electrical, Automation and Control executive vice-president Andreas Seth said: “The electrification of ships is building momentum. From 2010, we have delivered battery systems representing about 15MWh in total.

“However, now the potential deployment of our patent-pending SAVe Energy in 2019 alone is 10-18MWh.

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SAVe Energy is designed to be used in several areas, including peak shaving, spinning reserve and battery-powered vessels.

When used in combination with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) or diesel powered engine in a hybrid propulsion unit, SAVe Energy is capable of increasing efficiency and reducing emissions.

“SAVe Energy is being introduced on many of the projects we are currently working on.”

In hybrid propulsion, the solution handles the peak load, while the vessel’s main power generators will take the average load and not reduce the propulsion units thrusting capabilities.

Seth further added: “Battery systems have become a key component of our power and propulsions systems, and SAVe Energy is being introduced on many of the projects we are currently working on.

“This includes the upgrade programme for Hurtigruten’s cruise ferries, the advanced fishing vessel recently ordered by Prestfjord, and the ongoing retrofits of offshore support vessels.

“As a system provider, we can find the best solution considering both installation and operational cost.”

Development of SAVe Energy is partly funded by Norwegian Research Council of Norway’s ENERGIX programme.

Three ship owning companies Color Line, Norled and the Norwegian Coastal Administration Shipping Company are also involved in the development of the system.

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