ABS releases supercapacitor guide

The class society said that 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. It noted that offshore supply vessel (OSV) owners in particular are considering supercapacitors to supplement energy supply during high-load operations, such as using power thrusters for dynamic positioning while station keeping.

Derek Novak, senior vice president of engineering and technology, ABS, said: “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. 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.”

The 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. It 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 evaluates 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.

The guides can be downloaded from www.eagle.org.