Eco Marine Power and technology partner Furukawa Battery are to supply marine-grade FCR series batteries for both a solar power system and for back-up use on a Handymax bulker.
This will be the first time the FCR batteries have been used for these dual applications onboard a ship with one set being integrated into renewable energy solution and two other sets for emergency back-up use. Other equipment will also be installed onto the vessel as part of an Eco Handymax Project that is being undertaken by several companies based in Japan and a ship owner.
As part of the project to supply the FCR-50-12 batteries the existing layout of the battery room will be altered and new battery frames manufactured by Teramoto Iron Works supplied. This will allow for the batteries to be installed in a horizontal orientation, thereby allowing the units required for the Aquarius Marine Solar Power solution & also for back-up use to be installed in the same space onboard the ship.
A significant advantage claimed for the recyclable FCR series batteries is that their robust design and proven safety record allows for them to be installed without the need for complicated protection or cooling systems. Originally developed for dual uses, the ruggedness of the FCR series batteries makes them suited for use in a marine environment, and in 2019 the FCR-50-12 & FCR-100-6 batteries obtained ClassNK certification.
Mr Kodaka, GM Global Business Development Department, Furukawa Battery, said: “The installation of the FCR series batteries for dual applications onboard the ship demonstrates how this battery technology can be used for a wide range of uses both for maritime and land-based projects”.
