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Home , Boaty McBoatface, David Attenborough

Li-Ion Batteries Power Polar RV Through Ice Seanergy Meets High Power Needs of By Annie Sennet

hile today’s day and age is driven by instant gratifi- disruption to and obstruction of survey equip- Wcation and continually enhanced digitalization—and ment. the marine industry is no stranger to adapting to Industry Saft’s Li-ion Super-Iron Phosphate (SLFP) technology, 4.0 and addressing the needs of connectivity driven by the which has certifications from Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Regis- Internet of Things (IoT)—environmental friendliness, cost ter and DNV GL, will be embedded in Rolls-Royce’s over- efficiency and safety are timeless requirements for marine all system. With its modular design, this technology allows battery manufacturers. for custom-builds to accommodate myriad applications’ With Saft’s proven track record and commitment to these power and voltage requirements. It is adaptable to various industry requirements, Rolls-Royce selected Saft to provide types of usages and operations, and provides high power the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology to integrate into in a compact size. Saft’s technology makes it possible to its environmentally friendly hybrid propulsion system for avoid oversizing a battery system, resulting in sav- the RRS Sir David Attenborough polar . ings that translate into environmental and cost efficiencies. With SLFP’s high efficiency and power output, fast-charge Proven Technology, Enhanced capability and long calendar and cycling life, it is an ideal In order to meet the demands of its exploration expedi- battery for civil marine purposes. Crews can rest tions and transit through some of the world’s most frigid wa- easy with the knowledge that the batteries on board provide ters, the new polar research vessel requires precise battery reliability, even across wide ranges, as well as system specifications to ensure reliability. Saft created a cus- paramount safety and security. Furthermore, the architec- tomized battery solution developed distinctly to meet the ture of SLFP has extreme resilience to electrical and me- high power needs of the polar research vessel. The battery chanical abuse. system is based on Saft’s proven Seanergy 48P high-power module, with higher voltage, power capability and cooling Advanced Polar RV efficiency to accommodate the unique needs of the vessel. The RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research vessel Two of Saft’s specialized Seanergy marine Li-ion battery will be one of the most advanced of its kind when it sets sail systems, within 21 cabinets, will help power Rolls-Royce’s in 2019 to carry out oceanographic and various scientific diesel electric propulsion system, coupled with the new work in the Antarctic and Arctic regions. It will also haul Bergen B33:45 engines. Together, the battery systems will supplies to Antarctic research stations. With its technologi- provide 1,450 kWh of capacity with a maximum voltage of cally innovative design, the ship will be able to travel for 60 1,011 V and will be assembled into the vessel’s control and days unsupported. This equates to 35,000 km, or the ability automation system. The power provided by the cutting-edge to completely circle twice. Sailing throughout the technology will assist the vessel with peak power, especially entire year, the vessel will assist with Arctic research cruises within dynamic positioning mode. For this vessel, superior during the northern summer, then support research pro- dynamic positioning will help with successful scientific in- grams and complete transportation tasks amid Antarctica’s strument deployment. austral summer. Equipped with a helideck and hangar, the With Saft’s customization capabilities, these battery vessel will accommodate up to two helicopters, allowing systems are sized so the vessel can run on voyages up to for tasks with airborne scientific instruments and supporting 19,000 nautical while maintaining self-sufficiency in teamwork with other polar research initiatives. fuel. Moreover, the Li-ion battery systems will empower the Currently the biggest commercial shipbuilding contract vessel to push through ice up to 1-m thick. Also, the Li-ion in Britain, the vessel will be operated by the British Antarctic technologies will help the vessel tow equipment over the Survey (BAS), commissioned by the ’s Natu- side with minimal underwater radiated noise to minimize ral Environment Research Council (NERC).

www.sea-technology.com July 2017 / st 23 tions, the RRS Sir David Attenborough vessel requires lead- ing-edge design and concepts in its architecture, including innovative battery technologies to assist with reduced emis- sions, while enhancing efficiencies and profitability. Be- tween the vessel’s outstanding fuel efficiency, as well as use of robotic technologies managed from afar, it is anticipated the ship will curtail the overall environmental impact of vessels used for scientific research. Further, over its 25-year working life, it is predicted the new polar research vessel will generate a savings of more than £100 million in operat- ing costs.

Reliability for Remote Regions Due to its hostile environment, isolated location and vast inaccessibility, the has the least amount of available data reports compared to other primary oceans. With the RRS Sir David Attenborough’s intended voyages there, it will be able to fill in some data gaps—but there can be no compromise on the reliability and safety of the ship. Saft’s high-power batteries are specially designed for ap- plications in which it is not easy to escape your transporta- tion vehicle. Thus, Rolls-Royce entrusted Saft to design and manufacture the battery systems to accompany its hybrid propulsion systems. Saft prides itself on end-to-end collaboration and works extensively with all its customers to provide precise sup- port before and after the manufacturing of the battery sys- tem. Saft delivers made-to-measure battery designs, lifetime modeling and customized testing, installation, after-sales support for maintenance, software interfacing and monitoring, and ongoing staff training, even in the Saft’s Seanergy 48 Rack battery most remote waters. system. With instant gratifica- tion and the continually The 128-m-long ship is under evolving digitalization of construction at Cammell Laird’s today’s world comes the site in Birkenhead on Merseyside urgency for means to com- in England. The construction of municate over long dis- the vessel has created hundreds tances and with immense of jobs and apprenticeships in the amounts of data. The ex- region. The contemporary design pansion of the IoT and will boast one of the world’s most interconnectivity enables advanced seaborne laboratory fa- more complex, data-heavy cilities, accommodating various applications, including sectors including, but not limited intricate battery systems. Saft’s e- to, geophysics, Supervision tool is the answer to delivering and marine ecology. The vessel will house up to 90 people, data-heavy remote battery diagnostics. It provides custom- including research teams and crew members, with ample ers with crucial data in real time from a remote location. The space for cargo. tool enables the battery system owners to secure alerts and Earlier in 2017, the vessel gained world recognition with investigate happenings without having to be in the presence its naming contest, which resulted in “Boaty McBoatface” of the system. as the winner, later over-ruled in favor of “Sir David At- Accommodating digitalization, the new polar research tenborough,” a tribute to Sir David, a well-known British vessel will serve as a platform for numerous intelligent sci- broadcaster, and his dedication to and science. He entific instruments. The RRSSir David Attenborough will be hosted several documentaries on the BBC. At the Britain’s first polar research vessel hosting a . Ex- time of the naming announcement, it was revealed the U.K. tending through the vessel, and opening at both deck and government will supply £1 million for a Polar Explorer pro- sea level, the vertical trough supports the maneuvering of gram, encouraging future generations to be involved with scientific equipment in the middle, and most steady, section environmental science. of the ship. Compared to the sides or stern with uneasy wa- With the inevitable adaptations required in the civil ma- ters, the center of the ship provides safety and stability. De- rine industry as a result of stringent environmental regula-

24 st / July 2017 www.sea-technology.com CHOOSE THE LEADER IN UNDERWATER TECHNOLOGY Systems The RRS Sir David Attenborough polar research vessel. ploying these technologies, operated botic submarines and marine gliders. remotely from the vessel, will provide Precise statistics about the polar en- scientists with data otherwise unattain- vironment will also be delivered from able. These devices will collect infor- airborne robots and onboard environ- mation from places under the ice and mental monitoring systems. into the far depths of the ocean. Be- yond championing the latest editions The Backbone of of ROVs for the polar regions, the ship Scientific Advancement also will boast the communication and As the newest polar research vessel data oversight technology required to is preparing to embark on some of the deliver real-time data, thus improving most advanced research endeavors, efficiency to maximize the researchers’ Saft is contributing significantly to the time and resources. research community to continually ad- Acoustic Releases vance the science behind battery tech- Charting Harsh Waters nology. Saft aims to continue advanc- and Transponders To Plot Our Future ing its and develop It is well-known our sea levels are new chemistries and cell formats for continually rising, causing numerous next-generation solutions. concerns and requiring immediate ac- Saft is consistently enriching its tion to comprehend the polar ice melt R&D efforts. It has created two incu- and discern its impacts on our , bators: one in France and another in global ocean circulation and ecosys- the U.S. In 2016, it allocated nearly 9 tems. It is estimated that by 2100 the percent of its sales, or more than $71 oceans could rise as much as 6 ft., re- million dollars (€65 million), for R&D. sulting in more than 13.1 million peo- It has a total portfolio of 160 patents, ple in the —and nearly with 22 granted in 2016 alone. 180 million people worldwide—being Currently, Saft is working on USBL Positioning uprooted from their homes. While the next-generation active materials for and Tracking immediate impact of rising sea levels high-performance cathodes and lith- on the coastal regions is clear, it greatly ium-alloy anodes. The goal with this affects those who live inland as well, as undertaking is to elevate performance, people living on the coast will be relo- safety and lifetime, all while lowering cating. This will require inland areas to cost. update various infrastructure, housing Groundbreaking collaborations and transportation systems to accom- between Saft, Rolls-Royce, BAS and modate the influx of residents. NERC, for example, are paving the The RRS Sir David Attenborough’s way for advancements in science and expeditions will contribute immensely technology. With our environment and to research efforts to better understand digital lifestyles in constant transforma- polar and ice sheet melting. The ves- tion, agility and adaptability are key to sel’s explorations in the polar regions protecting our precious environment are essential for us to have perspective and resources. ST on all the major changes occurring for marine life, the Earth’s oceans and our Annie Sennet is the executive vice president of climate system. The world-class labo- Saft’s Space & Defense Division and has been in- ratories on board will enable scientists strumental in building Saft’s space market presence and leadership in lithium-ion technology, as well as [email protected] to study data on and guiding the group’s success in the defense battery USA 1.508.291.0057 ocean surroundings delivered from ro- markets for the past several years.

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