Lloyd’s Register (LR) issued a new guidance document aimed at facilitating a risk-based approach to battery use. The guidance describes the key hazards to consider when installing battery technology, and gives an overview of our non-prescriptive approach to approval. The guidance also covers battery chemistry and industry standards.
Using batteries to supply ships’ power systems can improve efficiency, save fuel and reduce emissions. Battery installations also give a significant reduction in noise and vibration compared to traditional power systems. There are currently no international standards for large marine battery installations. However, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is developing two standards: 62619 and 62620. There are also requirements for transportation of batteries such as the UN 38.3 Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Manual of Tests and Criteria. Several vessels have already been classed under LR’s novel design Rules and the interest in large battery installations from shipbuilders and battery manufacturers is continuing to increase.
It is important to note that the range of available cell chemistries makes it unfeasible to have a prescriptive set of rules for batteries. LR recognises that lithium-ion is the most commonly-used type of cell at present, but even within the lithium-ion family there is no standard cell. At the same time, research into battery technology is moving rapidly, so developments in cell chemistry can be expected in the near future.
The guidance starts at the beginning of a battery system’s life cycle when the cells are being manufactured, and goes on to consider how an installation affects or is affected by a vessel’s power system, placement on board, ventilation, fire-fighting, electrical protection and maintenance. The guidance aims to help industry consider the hazards associated with large battery installations but is not specific to a particular cell chemistry.
Louise Dunsby, Lead Electrotechnical Specialist, Lloyd’s Register commented:
“We aim to help industry establish a process for approving these installations which will remain relevant regardless of the way battery technology evolves.
“Advances in battery technology and energy management capability have rightly seen increasing interest in battery and hybrid power in the maritime industry. LR is involved in a wide range of projects which aim to make batteries efficient, stable and commercially viable. LR’s work in the laboratory, and increasingly on the water, is helping shipowners save fuel and increase efficiency, while reducing emissions. Battery installations also give significant reductions in noise and vibration compared to traditional fuel-based power systems. LR is excited to be playing a part in developing battery technology for a future generation of hybrid or potentially even single source vessels.”
Watch a video of Louise Dunsby talking about how LR is supporting battery technology below:
And read more about battery technology and other areas of innovations in LR’s new Marine Technology Report.
You may view the report by clicking on the image below:
Source: Lloyd’s Register
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