Photo: Echandia
The first step of introducing battery-electric and hydrogen-electric solutions for maritime transportation is well underway. The next step would be to increase the capacity of these alternative systems so that they can be applied to larger vessels with more complex requirements also.
Echandia and Toshiba have been collaborating for years, but it’s the first time when they’re embarking on a more ambitious project- developing a powerful fuel cell technology for extreme heavy-duty applications in the maritime industry. Their bold claim is that, through this joint effort, the lifespan of a conventional fuel will be increased by at least 200%.
Previously, Toshiba’s rechargeable battery cell SCiB was used by Echandia to develop its innovative battery systems based on LTO (Lithium Titanium Oxide). According to the Swedish battery expert, the LTO cell technology allows the development of systems that are more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective.
Oversizing is an issue not just in terms of physical dimensions, but also in terms of the kWh installed. When it comes to vessels, batteries are made bigger, so that they can compensate for the typical capacity fade over time (they don’t deliver as much power as they did in the beginning).
With this premium technology, there’s no need for excess capacity, because it allows more of the existing capacity to be utilized efficiently. This means less kWh with a better output, the ability to be fully charged in ten minutes, and what Echandia calls “an extreme life expectancy.” Plus, both its Echandia Energy and Echandia Power battery solutions are designed to withstand the challenging conditions of maritime operations.
Toshiba believes in a “hydrogen society” and will bring its expertise in fuel cell technology, dating back to the 1960s, to develop a maritime fuel cell solution that will boast the same benefits of Echandia’s battery systems, including the superior lifetime.
Previously, Toshiba’s rechargeable battery cell SCiB was used by Echandia to develop its innovative battery systems based on LTO (Lithium Titanium Oxide). According to the Swedish battery expert, the LTO cell technology allows the development of systems that are more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective.
Oversizing is an issue not just in terms of physical dimensions, but also in terms of the kWh installed. When it comes to vessels, batteries are made bigger, so that they can compensate for the typical capacity fade over time (they don’t deliver as much power as they did in the beginning).
With this premium technology, there’s no need for excess capacity, because it allows more of the existing capacity to be utilized efficiently. This means less kWh with a better output, the ability to be fully charged in ten minutes, and what Echandia calls “an extreme life expectancy.” Plus, both its Echandia Energy and Echandia Power battery solutions are designed to withstand the challenging conditions of maritime operations.
Toshiba believes in a “hydrogen society” and will bring its expertise in fuel cell technology, dating back to the 1960s, to develop a maritime fuel cell solution that will boast the same benefits of Echandia’s battery systems, including the superior lifetime.
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