Plug 'n Play
Redox Flow Batteries
As the maritime industry transitions toward zero-emission operations, the demand for safe, scalable, and long-duration energy storage is peaking. Conoship International is actively researching Redox Flow Battery (RFB) technology as a high-capacity alternative to traditional battery systems.
Challenges to overcome
Focus of the Conoship research project
While Redox flow batteries have some big advantages, as outlined, there are still some hurdles to overcome. The energy density of flow batteries is low, and the cost is relatively high. However, recent developments in research show promising results for the future.
Furthermore, flow batteries have only been used in stationary application – until now. For the first time ever, Conoship will test a flow battery under dynamic conditions. By using a Hexapod motion platform to mimic extreme sea conditions, we are validating the stability of flow technology under dynamic stress.
1. Desk Research
First, an analysis is made based on the available knowledge to see if the technology is worth researching.
2. Lab Test
The technology is being tested thoroughly in a controlled environment to assess the feasibility.
3. Long-term Test
After successful lab testing, the technology is taken on board to be proven in practice over an elongated period.
Battery vs Fuel Cell efficiency
Why Use a Battery?
In a world of scarce energy, efficiency is the only metric that matters.
While E-fuels like Hydrogen and Methanol are popular topics, their “Well-to-Wake” efficiency hovers around a wasteful 35%. In contrast, battery technology delivers nearly 90% efficiency. To build a sustainable future, we must choose the technology that does the most with the energy we have.
Battery
E-Fuels
Trips vs Distance
Feasibility of Maritime Batteries
62% of the Market is Within Reach
Our analysis shows that with a distance of just 500 nautical miles, about 62% of the trips on the short sea shipping market could be completed. This means we could cover the majority of the trips with emission-free shipping. We don’t need to wait for “infinite range” to start the transition; the majority of the fleet is ready for electrification today.
Safe Maritime Batteries
Why it is Interesting for Shipping
RFBs are very suitable for shipping due to their ability to scale energy and power independently. Their long lifespan, minimal degradation, and potential to be refueled instead of recharged makes this a very interesting option for shipping.
High safety
RFB’s can not have ‘Thermal Runaway’, and are extremely safe to use.
100% Recyclable
Even after 30 years, the electrolyte is fully recyclable
No degradation
Contrary to other battery types, RFB’s don’t lose their capacity.
Electrolyte fueling
Instead of charging, RFB’s could be refueled with charged electrolyte.
The Conoship Approach
The C.O.N.O. Method
The Strategic Advantage of RFBs
Compared to alternatives
The benefits of Redox Flow technology become immediately clear when compared to alternatives, such as the traditional MGO (genset), hydrogen, or lithium based batteries. The effects of regulation regarding GHG (Greenhouse gasses) has been accounted for in this comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest challenges of the research at the moment?
Of course, there are some major hurdles to overcome. For example, the current energy density of the electrolyte is extremely low, at about 25 Wh/liter. That is way lower than any lithium based battery. Furthermore, most RFB’s are currently based on Vanadium Electrolyte (VRFB’s), which is a rare and relatively expensive mineral. Luckily, there is a lot of promising research being conducted to new types of electrolyte.
What does the financing of a Redox Flow battery look like?
The Vanadium cost problem could be tackled by using the full recyclability of Vanadium: By treating the Vanadium present in the flow battery as an asset, we could turn the Redox Flow battery into a bankable object. The user is not the owner of the Vanadium in the electrolyte, but the Vanadium is owned by a third party. The Vanadium then functions as a safe asset, as if it were gold in a safe.
Bankable Vanadium sounds complicated. Any other developments?
Many studies are currently being conducted on organic electrolytes by several research groups, with promising results. Conoship is in contact with many experts in the field to ensure the latest insights in the field for a rapid maturation towards maritime use.
You are a Ship Design Company. Why bother with battery technology?
Conoship believes that it is important to be a frontrunner in Innovation, and sustainability is in the veins of what Conoship believes. For example, Conoship was one of the first companies that started implementing a modular and future-ready design as a standard practice, is experimenting on Carbon Collection, is involved in many hydrogen based projects and is the birthplace of Econowind, pioneers in wind-assisted shipping.
Can I already order this battery?
This page is meant to give an overview of the considerations and research that Conoship is conducting. If the outcome of this process is positive, we may take a next step towards an actual commercially-available ship using a Redox Flow Battery. Conoship intends to look towards the future and set zero-emission shipping as the target, how to get there is not carved in stone.