Modular Container Battery Packs for Low-Emission Vessel Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping industry faces significant environmental challenges due to the high emissions and reliance on fossil fuels for powering freight ships.
Innovation Solution
A containerized battery system is introduced, comprising a collection of batteries within a shipping container that can be easily installed and removed from vessels, providing a lower emission and fossil fuel-independent power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fossil fuels are used to power freight ships, then enormous power is generated to move the ships, but massive amounts of undesirable emissions are produced and reliance on limited fossil fuels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently installed, removed, and replaced. Each module contains multiple battery cells arranged in series strings, allowing the system to be segmented for easier handling, installation, and maintenance while collectively providing the required power output to replace fossil fuel engines
Solution Approach 2:
A containerized battery system serves as an intermediary power source between the vessel and shore-based charging infrastructure. The container houses multiple battery modules that can be charged at port and then deployed to power the vessel, mediating between renewable shore power and the vessel's propulsion needs without direct fossil fuel combustion onboard
2Power
If fossil fuels are used to power freight ships, then sufficient power is provided for long-distance shipping, but the costs continue to rise and supply is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between different power sources and configurations. Battery modules can be dynamically added or removed from the vessel based on power needs and charging availability. The system adapts to varying operational requirements by reconfiguring battery strings and modules, providing flexibility that static fossil fuel systems cannot match
Solution Approach 2:
The containerized battery system serves multiple functions: it provides primary propulsion power, acts as energy storage for renewable integration, offers backup power capability, and can be easily replaced or upgraded. This multi-functionality makes the system adaptable to various operational scenarios and future technological advancements without being locked into a single fuel type
3Power
If traditional fossil fuel systems are used, then established power delivery is achieved, but environmental sustainability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion system with an electrochemical energy storage and delivery system. Instead of burning fossil fuels to generate mechanical power through heat engines, the system uses electrochemical reactions in battery cells to directly generate electrical power, eliminating the mechanical combustion process and its associated emissions while maintaining power delivery capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The containerized battery system significantly reduces environmental emissions and decreases reliance on fossil fuels, offering a sustainable and efficient power solution for freight ships.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of battery cells arranged into multiple battery modules within a container such that each battery cell within a battery module is coupled together in parallel and the multiple battery modules are coupled together in series
Data Source
AI summary
A containerized battery system can include a container, a framework, battery cells, and an electrical coupling. The container can be installed within and removed from a container space on a vessel. The framework can be situated within the container and can define multiple framework compartments therein. The battery cells can be arranged into battery modules that provide power to the vessel. Each battery module can be removably disposed as a combined unit within a framework compartment. Each battery cell within a battery module can be coupled together in parallel and the multiple battery modules can be coupled together in series. The electrical coupling can be configured to facilitate the recharging of the battery cells while the battery cells are within the container. The containerized battery system can also include a fire prevention system, an environmental control system, and a power management system.