Fukuoka, Japan's Eco Marine Power Co. Ltd. announced that Corvus Energy will supply the energy storage component for its patent-pending Aquarius Wind and Solar Power System for ocean-going ships. Since 2010, Eco Marine Power has worked on developing an advanced integrated system of rigid, photovoltaic-equipped sails and energy storage modules to allow ocean-going ships to harness renewable energies and reduce their need for oil. The rigid sails are used for propulsion and are covered in solar panels to capture solar energy.
Corvus Energy’s lithium-polymer battery technology will store energy collected by the array of wind and solar panels. The batteries will then be used to power the ship’s operational equipment or, alternatively, be used as a power source when at harbor or at anchor.
The system is designed to be safe, practical and designed to substantially reduce fuel consumption, noxious gas emissions and C02 footprints. Conservative estimates suggest that the Aquarius System will reduce operational costs by up to 20 percent. A prototype will be ready for testing in 2012.
Corvus Energy’s energy storage modules are up to 10 times more powerful than lead-acid batteries and are, at minimum, 22 percent more powerful than current alternative lithium-polymer competitors. The batteries are built to handle the world’s most hazardous ocean conditions. Fully waterproof to 1 atmosphere, the modules can operate from -20 to 60 degrees Celsius and feature standard shock ratings at 30 G and 5 axis vibration ratings of 8 G.
Eco Marine Power will also investigate ways to incorporate Corvus Energy’s batteries into its other projects, including the solar-electric hybrid marine power vessel, Tonbo, and the solar-electric urban ferry, Medaka.