Hull-Integrated Flow Battery Ballast Tanks for Marine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels face challenges in efficiently storing electrical energy and maintaining stability due to the physical and weight constraints of traditional battery systems, which limit cargo capacity and increase operating costs and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A battery system for marine vessels that incorporates a flow battery with an ion exchange element and ballast tanks to store electrolyte within the hull, allowing for a compact and lightweight energy storage solution that also aids in attitude control by redistributing electrolyte between tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional battery systems are installed in marine vessels, then electrical energy storage capacity is provided, but physical footprint and weight increase, limiting cargo capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolyte storage function with the existing ballast tank system of the marine vessel. The flow battery electrolytes are stored in the ballast tanks, which are already part of the vessel's structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate battery electrolyte storage containers and reducing overall physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast tanks serve dual purposes: traditional ballast water storage for vessel stability and flow battery electrolyte storage for electrical energy storage. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the volume required for energy storage systems.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional battery systems are installed in marine vessels, then electrical energy storage capacity is provided, but weight increases, increasing operating costs and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolyte storage function with the existing ballast tank system of the marine vessel. The flow battery electrolytes are stored in the ballast tanks, which are already part of the vessel's structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate battery electrolyte storage containers and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast tanks serve dual purposes: traditional ballast water storage for vessel stability and flow battery electrolyte storage for electrical energy storage. This multi-functionality allows the same physical space to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the weight required for energy storage systems.
3Quantity of substance
If flow battery electrolyte is stored in ballast tanks, then electrical energy storage capacity is increased, but corrosion risk of tank interior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulative interior lining as an intermediary barrier between the flow battery electrolyte and the ballast tank wall. This lining prevents direct contact between the corrosive electrolyte and the tank material, thereby preventing corrosion while allowing the tank to serve its dual function.
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
This configuration enables a larger flow battery with reduced weight, allowing for increased cargo capacity, lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and improved stability by utilizing existing hull space without the need for additional storage, while providing electrical energy and attitude control without engine operation.
Implementation Method 1
a flow battery comprising an ion exchange element
Implementation Method 2
control an attitude, or a stability, of the marine vessel by passing electrolyte from the first ballast tank chamber to the second ballast tank chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a battery system for a marine vessel, the marine vessel comprising a hull. The battery system comprises a flow battery comprising an ion exchange element, and a first ballast tank for location in the hull and defining a first ballast tank chamber for storing electrolyte for the flow battery.