5 year study conducted on-board ships, in test lab & at outdoor evaluation area

Fukuoka, Japan – 16th July 2018 – After an extensive study project, Eco Marine Power (EMP) has today released some of the key findings related to the use of solar power on ships and the selection and installation of related equipment. This study was carried out over a 5 year period and included: installation of a trial system on the high speed RoRo Ferry Blue Star Delos, several ship surveys, computer-aided analysis, plus evaluation of various equipment in a test lab and also at an outdoor evaluation area.

The overall system design used as a basis for the study was EMP's Aquarius Marine Solar Power. This system incorporates class-approved hardware and is able to provide a stable and reliable source of emissions-free power on-board ships or it could be used as an emergency back-up power system. The study covered a range of topics including system design, system performance, installation methods, hardware selection and a review of marine-grade photovoltaic (PV) technologies.

Aquarius Marine Solar Power - System OverviewAquarius Marine Solar Power - System Overview

 

Prototype version of Ship PV Module and Frame Kit at Onomichi MTTCPrototype version of Ship PV Module and Frame Kit at Onomichi MTTC

 

Some key findings resulting from the study included:

  • The type of PV module best suited for a ship-based project may vary depending on a number of factors including the location where the modules will be installed. In some cases PV modules of differing types and/or technologies may be required in different locations.
  • Careful attention needs to be focused on the way the PV modules are installed and mounted. For best results specially designed marine-grade frames suitable for use on ships should be used.
  • High quality valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery technologies are suitable for ship-based solar projects. These batteries are cost effective and require very little ongoing maintenance.
  • The installation methods suggested by the PV module manufactures may not be suitable for ships, and customization of the PV module may be required in certain cases.
  • A class approved monitoring system should be included with any ship-based solar power system.
  • A solar power system on a ship combined with DC loads such as lighting can be an effective way to reduce system cost, lower power losses & simplify the overall system design.

Based on these and other findings resulting from the study, EMP has taken a number of actions including product improvements, with some key highlights being:

  • Customized high quality PV module and frame kits have been developed. Several types are available with each type modified if required to suit a particular ship type or application.
  • VRLA hybrid battery packs using class-approved batteries have been released in co-operation with The Furukawa Battery Company. These battery packs include easy to assemble battery frame kits that simplify the installation process and reduce costs.
  • The PV modules & mounting frames customization process has been refined and will now be carried out mainly in Onomichi, Japan, in co-operation with Teramoto Iron Works.
  • Additional alarm & performance monitoring features have been added to the Aquarius Management & Automation System or Aquarius MAS.
  • EMP will initiate a certification process for selected PV modules based on the review of specifications, testing & the evaluation of their performance.

Commenting on the completion of the study, Greg Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer at Eco Marine Power said, "We have gained many valuable insights into the design, installation and use of solar power on ships during the last 5 years. These insights have been used to refine our system design and product offerings and we are now in the process of deploying commercial systems."

 

Marine Hybrid Battery Pack

 

EMP will also expand the range of technologies being evaluated at the Onomichi MTTC and will work with selected manufacturers of PV modules and solar panels to further optimise them for ship and marine use. For more information about these and other activities please visit EMP's Research & Development webpage.

For enquiries please use our Online Contact Form

About Eco Marine Power

Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. (EMP) is an internationally focused technology company that develops renewable energy based fuel saving and emission reduction solutions for ships including passenger ferries, survey ships, oil tankers and cargo vessels. These technologies include the EnergySail®, Aquarius MASTM and Aquarius MRE®. EMP also develops sustainable ship concepts that incorporate the latest renewable energy technologies and is currently working on a number of design projects including Aquarius Eco Ship and Aquarius Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The company is based in Fukuoka, Japan.

Sign up for EMP News E-Mails


         
 

Facebook Follow us E-Mail YouTubelinkedin

 
 
 
 
 
 
hybrid_power_3
Hybrid marine power solutions including solar power save fuel, reduce pollution and are cost effective. Eco Marine Power is at the forefront of developing low emission & fuel saving solutions for ships, Our computer systems also provide a control interface between renewable energy & other systems on-board ships.
solar_wind_2
Eco Marine Power is at the forefront of providing innovative marine renewable energy technologies for shipping that harness the power of the sun & wind. These solutions include Aquarius MRE, EnergySail & Aquarius Marine Solar Power. These reduce fuel consumption, lower noxious gas emissions and deliver cost benefits.
aquarius_mas_icon_1
Aquarius Management & Automation System or Aquarius MAS is a cost effective alarm handling, monitoring & data logging platform suitable for a wide range of ships. The system is based upon the reliable KEI 3240 Data Logger and is class approved. Aquarius MAS can also monitor fuel use & calculate vessel emissions.
design_consulting_1
Our design & consulting services include green ship & eco ship concept designs, renewable energy surveys, renewable energy systems design & consulting support for new ship and retrofit projects. We work with ship owners, ship managers and ship yards to develop the right renewable energy solution for their needs.
続きを読む 続きを読む 続きを読む 続きを読む