Chris Kruger, founder of AYK Energy, explains that his company can support the widespread adoption of battery solutions as it is close to the manufacturers of the core technology in China and will use that advantage to bring the new technologies rapidly to the industry.
Until today, AYK’s batteries are being used on ferries, superyachts, barges, tugs, fishing vessels, OSVs . AYK is also one of the few manufacturers to exclusively use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and has developed a system where the LFP chemistry is safer, with greater energy density than Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). NMC has been the most used battery chemistry because of its supposed greater density, but its chemistry is known to be much more dangerous than LFP. Kruger says AYK is now showing that LFP can outperform NMC and deliver greater energy density, higher safety and better value.
SAFETY4SEA: What specific advancements in marine battery technology has AYK Energy achieved in the past months?
Chris Kruger: The development of a lighter battery by changing materials. Starting work with special chemistries to reduce costs and improve safety.
S4S: When considering marine batteries, what are the primary challenges related to onboard safety and operational efficiency, particularly given the complexity of the technology?
Chr.Kr.: The containment of high DC voltage and thermal runaway. Integration into the ship electrical system and in particular the handling of common mode noise.
S4S: What top priorities are on your agenda for the upcoming years, especially as the maritime industry accelerates its efforts towards decarbonization?
Chr.Kr.: Increase the energy density and reduce the costs to allow for widespread adoption. Also work on swappable battery solutions.
S4S: How do you foresee marine battery technology contributing to the broader objective of reducing emissions in the maritime sector?
Chr.Kr.: By using the electricity generated by wind, solar and the like directly to propel short sea shipping. Therefore, eliminating the generation of greenhouse gases.
S4S: Could you outline the key hazards associated with Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, and how do these risks compare to those associated with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries?
Chr.Kr.: NMC has a violent thermal runaway reaction, much more than LFP. This violent reaction combined with flammable electrolyte creates the potential for a violent explosion. LFP has almost no rapid increase of temperature during an event and is therefore a lot easier to handle and control.
S4S: How does AYK Energy intend to leverage its expertise and experience to further disrupt the marine battery market and promote the adoption of safer, more efficient battery technologies?
Chr.Kr.: By using the experience in designing with prismatic and pouch cells and by industrializing the research done by others on new chemistries to bring it rapidly to market.
S4S: What factors should maritime stakeholders take into account when selecting marine batteries?
Chr.Kr.: Safety first, then ease of installation and maintenance. Finally, the gathering of data to enhance its operations.
S4S: How do you see the future of marine battery technology evolving, and what role do you envision AYK Energy playing in this evolution?
Chr.Kr.: Higher energy density and better integration into the ships’ electrical systems. AYK is close to the manufacturers of the core technology in China and will use that advantage to bring the new technologies rapidly to the industry.
S4S: If you could change one thing from your perspective, what this one thing would it be and why?
Chr.Kr.: Speeding up the adoption of battery and other alternative technologies by the marine industry. This could be done worldwide by positive and negative incentives to industry. The marine industry needs a nudge to get away from its addiction to fossil fuels.
S4S: What is your key message to industry stakeholders with regards to marine batteries?
Chr.Kr.: Implement marine batteries on all newbuild vessels and work towards retrofitting existing vessels to either hybrid or full electric.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
