For better risk control and reduced downtime and costs

By removing the need for annual capacity testing, real-time modelling and monitoring of batteries onboard ships using methods developed in DNV’s DDD BATMAN project can provide significant benefits. By enabling ship operators to better control risks and reduce downtime and costs, battery power becomes more attractive leading to environmental and societal benefits.

Battery systems represent a new technology component in the power solution for short sea shipping with attractive properties producing a set of benefits. However, the safety of battery-powered ships must be ensured.  

One critical aspect is the ability to deliver, at any time during operations, the power demand for safe and reliable propulsion, manoeuvring and operation. Failure to do so could result in a serious accident, such as a collision or grounding. It is therefore paramount that the available energy stored in onboard batteries can be reliably estimated and predicted at any given time. 

Currently, battery powered ships are required by Class to carry out an annual capacity test. This is time consuming, requires the vessel to be taken out of service for a day and is associated with large uncertainties.  

Real-time modelling and monitoring methodology  

DNV is partnering with Fraunhofer ISE, Corvus Energy and Carnival Maritime on the  DDD BATMAN (Data-Driven Degradation monitoring and prediction of BATteries for Maritime ApplicatioNs) project which explores alternatives by developing data-driven methods for diagnostics of battery systems and to provide means for verifying the State of Health (SoH) based on real-time sensor measurements. 

Operational data is needed, and this will be collected in the project from ships in operation, and reliable and secure strategies for data collection, storage and sharing will be addressed. Moreover, additional insight will be obtained from laboratory testing under variable conditions. The focus will be on aspects related to battery systems for cruise ships, including battery lifetimes, replacement strategies, life cycle assessment and shore connection procedures. 

The three-year project has been awarded MarTERA funding and is due to deliver its findings in 2023. 

Benefits  

Data-driven degradation monitoring and prediction of batteries for maritime applications offer several benefits for operators of battery powered ships including removing the need for the annual capacity testing. 

Improved estimation of the SoH of the battery by real-time monitoring may also facilitate predictive maintenance strategies and reduced downtime and improved life cycle management of battery systems. 

In addition, it will identify best practice for avoiding degradation of batteries, improve safety by predicting capacity for critical operations and evaluating fuel savings. 

DNV accepts it is not easy to gauge market potential, but believes it is important to develop and evaluate data-driven models for capacity modelling for battery systems as a reliable alternative to capacity tests. 

DNV also believes the project will set new standards for reliability and lifetime prognostics and deliver recommendations and input to standards, recommended practices and class rules. The project results and findings will be reported in scientific publications.  

By contributing to making batteries safer and more attractive alternatives and stimulating the transition from fossil fuel to electric propulsion systems, it will enable emission reduction, increased energy efficiency and more environmentally-friendly shipping.