Energy storage systems will have lower upfront investment, smaller footprints and shorter installation times
New onboard energy storage systems (ESSs) have been introduced for inland waterways and coastal vessels and workboats that lower capital expenditure and accelerate installation times.
Wattlab has developed WEstack as a standardised battery system for inland vessels and workboats, which it claims that can be installed on board within a one day.
The Rotterdam-headquartered company said it should help remove barriers to decarbonisation such as: the high cost and long installation times associated with marine battery systems.
WEstack is fully assembled and tested in Wattlab’s workshop, ready for delivery and installation on vessels. Wattlab claimed the system reduces installation times, while cutting run times and raising the efficiency of diesel generators.
“Generators on vessels operate most of the time at only 10-15% of their capacity, which is extremely inefficient,” said Wattlab chief executive, Bo Salet.
“At low loads, a generator consumes relatively large amounts of fuel. By adding a battery pack, the generator can charge the battery at its optimal operating point, after which the battery supplies power to the vessel,” he said.
According to Wattlab, WEstack is designed to reduce generator running hours by as much as 80% to 90%, cutting fuel consumption and emissions and lowering maintenance costs, and reducing dependence on shore power, where available.
WEstack is available in four standard capacities: 100, 200, 300, and 400 kWh and can be installed on the aft deck of a vessel, either during its commissioning or in retrofit projects.
“More and more ports want to reduce emissions and noise pollution,” said Mr Salet. “With a battery system, vessels can operate silently and emission-free for much longer periods without relying on shore power.”
