Research & Design Facility Focused on Sustainable Shipping Technologies
The Aquarius Innovation Lab conducts research & design plus product development activities related to marine renewable energy systems and fuel saving technologies. Ongoing projects include the development of the Aquarius MRE System and EnergySail, both of which are being tested and evaluated at the lab.
The Aquarius Innovati
Testing at Aquarius Innovation Labon Lab is unique in that it develops and tests a wide range of equipment in a multi-vendor environment thereby allowing Eco Marine Power to provide solutions suited to ships ranging from small passenger ferries and tugboats to naval vessels, bulk ore carriers and cruise ships.
Equipment currently in the lab includes an EnergySail prototype, EnergySail ACS (Automated Control System), MPPT Controller, Aquarius MAS, various solar panels, sensors, marine batteries and a marine electric motor.
The lab is also an international centre and works with with designers, equipment manufactures & technical firms from Japan, Italy, Greece, UK, Canada, USA, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
The Aquarius Innovation Lab is also utilised to prepare new features for the Aquarius Management & Automation System (Aquarius MAS) and to support the development of new software features for KEI System's marine computer systems such as the KEI 3240 Data Logger.
Additionally, the lab acts as a technical support, integration testing and verification centre as required.
The facility is located in Osaka, Japan, and includes an indoor test centre plus an outdoor area for evaluating the performance of hardware such as solar panels, rigid sails & wind power devices.
Innovation and Co-Operation
The Aquarius Innovation Lab was established by KEI System Ltd and Eco Marine Power Ltd as part of their ongoing co-operation to develop fuel saving and emission reduction solutions. These solutions incorporate renewable energy, energy storage and computer system technologies.
Solar Panel at Aquarius Innovation Lab in Osaka
Equipment monitoring and performance management systems are also tested at the lab as are stand-alone units such as marine-grade flexible solar panels and MPPT controllers.
A number of technology providers have supplied equipment to be evaluated at the lab and additional equipment is installed as required.
It is through this type of co-operation that further innovative solutions will be developed to help make shipping even more efficient and environmentally friendly in the years ahead.
Current Projects
The following testing and/or evaluation projects are currently ongoing at the lab.
- Aquarius MAS - development and testing of additional software features.
- Aquarius MRE System - prototype system testing & evaluation. (also preparation and support for sea trials)
- EnergySail - prototype testing and evaluation. (including computer control system)
- Marine Solar Power - evaluation of flexible solar panels, interface units and MPPT hardware.
- Aquarius USV - evaluation of control system & power management for Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV).
In addition the lab provides technical support for the Blue Star Delos Renewable Energy Innovation Project as required.
Further Reading: Research & Development Technologies
Note: Aquarius MRE System, Aquarius MAS, Aquarius USV and EnergySail are trademarks of Eco Marine Power.
