VIDEO: ABB launches “plug and play” ESS solution

Containerized solution is suitable for a wide range of existing ships.

ABB has developed a containerized energy storage solution (ESS) that provides plug-in battery power for existing ships, by housing all batteries, converters, transformer, controls, cooling and auxiliary equipment pre-assembled in a self-contained unit, housed in a standard 20-foot container.

The “plug and play” solution is aimed at a wide range of vessels, including containerships, offshore support vessels, and ferries and other vessel types.

“Fuel savings, lower emissions and increased safety during operation and maintenance are the demand drivers for energy storage systems in the newbuild ship market, where ABB has extensive experience,” says Jyri Jusslin, head of service, ABB Marine & Ports. “With Containerized ESS, we are delighted to be able to offer these benefits to owners of existing ships with a one-stop retrofit solution.”

Jusslin adds that the system expands integration options across multiple types of ships and can be fully serviced from outside the unit for enhanced safety. “Knowing that there is a simple way to integrate an energy storage system could be the extra encouragement needed for owners to consider incorporating batteries for vessel efficiency and, especially, for sustainable power,” he says.

ABB says the containerized energy storage system offers one of the highest energy densities in the market within a 20 foot container, offering a standardized installation.

The containerized ESS is a technically mature solution that answers to shipowners’ demand to retrofit vessel power distribution systems and add a battery of significant capacity, says ABB. The pre-assembled and factory-tested equipment and cabling make the Containerized ESS solution easy to integrate with all vessel sub-systems. It is also supported by the ABB Ability marine remote diagnostics system, which offers continuous monitoring for preventive maintenance and fast and easy system repair.