ABS: New Guidance on Energy Storage

 

The maritime industry is increasingly interested in using supercapacitors as an energy storage solution when quick energy delivery is required during a peak loading condition. Particularly, offshore supply vessel (OSV) owners are considering supercapacitors to supplement energy supply during high-load operations, such as using power thrusters for dynamic positioning while station keeping. 

 

"We are developing a series of guides on energy storage systems so our clients have as many options as possible to effectively manage energy use,” said ABS Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology, Derek Novak. “Supercapacitors have a high power density and a fast charging and discharging process to augment other power sources – which can greatly improve the efficiency of traditional energy sources.” 

 

The Supercapacitor Guide delineates types of supercapacitors, including electrochemical capacitors and lithium ion capacitors, and defines requirements for design, construction and installation of supercapacitors in marine and offshore applications. 

 

“As a leading class organization, we provide our clients and industry with reliable guidance to enable technology development that affords safer and more efficient operations,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki. “We focus on staying ahead of the curve so industry can leverage alternative energy sources to reduce costs and improve productivity.” 

 

The guide, available for download from the ABS website, is the second in a series on hybrid electric power systems following the ABS Guide for Use of Lithium Batteries in the Marine in Offshore Industries. ABS also issued the ABS Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems, which takes a measured approach to evaluating potential advantages and disadvantages, challenges and level of readiness for the primary hybrid electric power systems and components most suited for marine and offshore applications.