Marine battery systems, less is more
A common misconception surrounding LTO-based marine battery systems is that they are heavier and require more space than alternative solutions. This perception largely stems from evaluating batteries at cell level, rather than at system level. When assessed from a system perspective, LTO chemistry can in fact enable battery systems that are both smaller and lighter.
The evolution of marine battery systems
Following the electrification of the automotive sector, the maritime industry is entering a similar transition. For an industry historically dependent on fossil fuels, large-scale adoption of electric energy storage systems (ESS) represents a significant learning curve.
The growth of electric vehicles has been driven primarily by graphite-based lithium-ion batteries, commonly referred to as NMC. These batteries offer high energy density but have limitations in terms of cycle life and power capability. However, lithium-ion batteries are not a uniform category, and chemistries differ significantly. A comparison between LFP and NMC batteries highlights some of these differences.
A recurring challenge when evaluating batteries for maritime use is the tendency to focus on individual cell characteristics rather than overall system design, operational performance, and application-specific requirements.
LTO battery chemistry is often perceived as heavier and more expensive. In maritime applications, however, its characteristics frequently result in systems that are lighter and more cost-efficient than other lithium-ion-based solutions when evaluated on a system level.
Less need for oversizing with smaller and more cost-efficient battery systems
A key concept in battery system design is oversizing, which refers to installing more energy capacity than is required for the vessel’s intended operation.
Oversizing is typically applied to compensate for battery aging over time, ensuring that performance requirements can still be met at end of life.
When planning an energy storage system for a vessel, a predefined energy capacity in kilowatt-hours is often specified based on prior experience. For NMC-based systems, which are widely used in electric vehicles and many vessels, this oversizing margin can be as high as 40 percent.
For LTO-based systems, the required buffer is typically much lower, depending on the operational profile.
The reduced need for oversizing results in a battery system with a smaller physical footprint (takes up less space on the vessel), lower weight, and for many maritime applications, lower overall cost compared to for example an NMC system designed to meet the same operational requirements.
Echandia’s LTO battery systems can be dimensioned with smaller margins due to their exceptional cycle life and durability, enabling optimized system design for demanding maritime applications.
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Our team has worked with leading shipyards and system integrators, from ABB to Siemens, to electrify ferries, tugs, navy and transport vessels. We know what it takes to build a safe, durable system that performs every day.
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