DNV GL grants Type Approval to Becker Marine Systems battery system

The TA covers the use of the system in vessels, offshore units and high speed and light craft.

“We have achieved the highest standard of safety since our COBRA system also meets all safety requirements down to the level of the individual cell”, says Dirk Lehmann, Managing Director of Becker Marine Systems, noting that the DNV GL certification included IEC 62619 and IEC 62620 tests.

Becker Marine noted that the use of LFP technology offered specific advantages, owing to the lack of cobalt in the battery cell units, as well as the circularity of the battery systems. The solution is also expected to qualify for Federal and state funding for the conversion of coastal and inland vessels to emission-reducing propulsion systems.

“In addition, we have succeeded in developing an attractively priced battery system for the maritime market that is freely scalable from a few kWh to several MWh”, says Godehard Gauf, head of the COBRA business unit at Becker Marine Systems.

The company confirmed that it expected to supply its first systems, a 420 kWh capacity battery system for a workboat, as well as a second system for a tourist passenger ship in 2021.

The type approval for the water or air-cooled energy storage system comprises switchgear, battery modules and a battery management system (BMS). Up to 8 individual battery cells are connected in series to form a battery rack. The type approval covers battery systems of up to 10 racks in parallel and a system BMS.

The type approval specifies a 105Ah capacity LFP cell, with an operational voltage range of 88~125V and an energy of 11.7 kWh.

Looking further ahead, Becker Marine noted that the COBRA system was also currently undergoing tests in combination with fuel cells for use in hybrid drive systems.

Becker Marine Systems is investing to expand the workforce and production space at its production facility in Winsen (Luhe).