European research project to develop new battery systems for boats

The European research project HARPOONERS (High voltAge, modulaR and low weight electric POwertrains fOr NExt generation waterborne tRanSport) is developing a new generation of high-voltage battery storage systems for maritime and inland waterway vessels.

The HARPOONERS project aims to develop a modular and flexible AC battery system, which integrates battery units directly with the power electronics and the onboard networks, including high and medium voltage.

Harpooners is also planning to focus on the adaptability of the system. This means that it should be compatible with both existing and newly developed cell technologies, regardless of their chemical composition. According to the participants, they are focussing on practical applications with storage capacities of between 5 and 10 MWh in all-electric or hybrid drive systems.

The project also integrates real-time monitoring using a distributed battery management system (BMS) at the battery level and an energy management system (EMS) at the system level. A digital twin links these control systems with edge cloud interfaces for predictive analyses. According to the initiators, innovative cyber security algorithms are also being developed to ensure safe operation.

A total of 13 partners from four EU countries, including Spain, Belgium, Austria, and Italy, as well as three associated countries, including Norway, Great Britain, and Turkey, are involved in Harpooners. The project coordinator is Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation from Spain. Other participants are AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Fundacion De La Comunidad Valenciana Para La Investigacion, Promocion Y Estudios Comerciales De Valenciaport, Opleidingscentrum Voor Hout En Bouw Vzw, Corvus Energy AS, Elkon Elektrik Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Power Electronics Espana, Lloyd’s Register EMEA LPS, Grimaldi Euromed, Inlecom Group, Foro Maritimo Vasco and Lalemant Transport & Shipping.

“Decarbonization of the European maritime transport sector requires innovations that balance cost-effectiveness, regulatory requirements, the interface with growing shore-side power grids and economies of scale of electrification,” said Dragan Simic, HARPOONERS project manager at AIT, adding: “The main challenge lies in the compactness of the battery systems while ensuring reliability and safety, especially for retrofits.”

ait.ac.at