Proof of concept: redox flow battery-powered short sea shipping

Proof of concept: redox flow battery-powered short sea shipping

Hillen, Bob (TU Delft Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering)

Pruyn, J.F.J. (mentor)
Nieuwenhuis, J.J. (mentor)
van Hassel, E.B.H.J. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Marine Technology | Ship Design

2021-09-29

This thesis provides a 'proof of concept' for a vanadium bromide redox flow battery-powered ship (E-Conoship) in the short sea shipping market of North West Europe. An elaborate analysis of historical voyage data has been carried out to determine operational feasibility. To determine economic feasibility, a cost-comparison model has been constructed, including the capital, operational and voyage related expenses of shipping. Case study method, including scenario analysis, has been used to determine under which circumstances E-Conoship is cost-competitive with diesel-powered ships. In conclusion, its operational feasible to operate an E-Conoship with a maximum range of 500 nautical miles. Two options are available: (1) direct replacement of vessels, and (2) acquiring voyages. It is economical feasible, provided that more than one of the following factors are addressed: battery system cost reduction, CO2-tax, lower electricity prices in comparison with marine gas oil, subsidies, increased amount of annual sailing days, and lastly financing at lower interest costs compared to diesel-powered ships.

Vanadium redox flow battery
Short sea shipping
Feasibility study
Zero-emission

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:8c52533a-feff-43b4-a1b8-fef34fa545c0

2023-09-21

Student theses

master thesis

© 2021 Bob Hillen