Wed 20 Jan 2016, 19:58 GMT

'Vastly improved' specs for lithium ion battery systems


The Corvus module will now be designated as AT6700 to reflect the validated energy capacity of 6.7kWh.



Canada's Corvus Energy has validated and is restating the product specifications for its "vastly improved" lithium ion battery systems, reflecting that the system has double the RMS power capability and substantially more energy capacity than previously reported.

As part of its ongoing testing programme, Corvus worked closely with the Laboratory of Alternative Energy Conversion (LAEC) at Simon Fraser University, Canada, on an extensive series of tests of the performance and characteristics of the AT6500 platform.

Corvus has the largest installed base of industrial lithium ion batteries in the maritime industry, including ferries, tugs, offshore supply vessels and port cranes. To recognize these superior specifications, the AT6500 model name will now be revised to AT6700 for the product platform.

Corvus and its cell supplier's programmes of continuous improvement for the AT6500 have played an important role in the improved specification, particularly for Corvus's liquid cooled module which features the Corvus proprietary active cooling system.

In a statement, Corvus explained that a key to getting maximum battery performance is thermal management, which helps the battery system to 'keep its cool' during the most demanding operational requirements. Active cooling is controlled by the battery management system (BMS) software that continually measures and reports cell temperatures to an advanced liquid cooling system that significantly lowers operating temperatures, safeguarding the batteries from running too hot.

"Corvus is continually improving its BMS for new projects and deploying these improvements to its existing customers. The Corvus AT6700 has a 10C peak discharge and 3C indefinite RMS rating. These enhancements show a continuing commitment to product development and a passion for innovation which reinforces and strengthens Corvus' industry-leading position in marine energy storage systems. These improvements also provide our existing customers with the opportunity to get more from their ESS," Corvus said.

"We are committed to ceaseless product innovation and testing, inspired by the feedback and requirements of our customers," said Andrew Morden, President & CEO, Corvus Energy. "Actively listening to our customers regarding their operational needs drove the testing program and the continuous improvement of the AT6500, now available as AT6700. We will continue our industry leading innovation with the introduction of our next generation lithium ESS [energy storage system] products later this year. We are the only lithium ion battery company with a substantial base of propulsion systems operating in the field, more than 40 ESSs on vessels and port cranes all over the world, and it is this real world operational intelligence in combination with our rigorous testing program that enables Corvus to specifically design its current and future battery systems to the needs of operators."

Corvus engineers have designed an ESS tailored to customer specifications using operational load profiles and other requirements without the expense of custom engineering. It is the only purpose-designed industrial lithium-ion battery system with four marine Type Approvals from Lloyds Register, DNV-GL, ABS and Bureau Veritas (pending). It is scalable from 6.5kWh at 50VDC to multiple megawatt-hours at up to 1100VDC.

A number of large commercial hybrid and electric vessels employ a Corvus ESS, including the world's first all-electric ferry, the Norled Ampere, which crosses the Sognefjord, Norway's largest fjord, 34 times per day.


ZIM LNG container vessel. Los Angeles and Long Beach identify LNG and methanol as key near-term marine fuels  

Joint feasibility study maps out demand projections and infrastructure needs to support cleaner shipping fuels at San Pedro Bay

Alexander Treff, Christiania Energy, Christiania Energy welcomes student assistant to Copenhagen office  

Alexander Treff joins marine fuels firm while studying international business at Copenhagen Business School.

Carlotta Cosulich vessel. Cosulich Marine Energy takes delivery of third methanol-ready bunker tanker  

Carlotta Cosulich joins the group’s fleet, bringing its four-vessel bunkering programme closer to completion.

Rendering of a Wallenius Wilhelmsen vessel Wallenius Wilhelmsen orders four dual-fuel PCTCs, extends fleet renewal programme  

Shipping firm signs for LNG-fuelled car carriers with options for eight more, with deliveries from 2030.

Maizuru Kazenomai vessel. MOL takes delivery of Wind Challenger-equipped LNG dual-fuel coal carrier  

LNG dual-fuel coal carrier with wind-assisted propulsion expected to cut CO₂ emissions by up to 30%.

Farrie Russ vessel. Ernst Russ takes delivery of second methanol-ready tanker  

Farrie Russ joins Ernst Russ’s fleet as the shipowner diversifies into tanker shipping.

Aerial view of the Port of Valencia. Valenciaport launches tender for second substation to double port's power capacity  

The Port of València's new €18.7m substation will support onshore power supply systems and growing terminal electricity demand.

Aerial view of harbour in Karaikal, Puducherry, India Study maps phased pathway for India to build a regional alternative marine fuel hub  

India could compete regionally across biofuels, methanol and ammonia if ports improve efficiency and reduce costs, study finds.

SEA-LNG and MAMII sign MoU. SEA-LNG and MAMII formalise technical partnership ahead of IMO methane talks  

Two organisations sign MoU to strengthen evidence-based input on methane emissions at the IMO.

China Zorrilla vessel. Battery-powered ferry China Zorrilla enters service in South America  

Ro-pax vessel now operating between Argentina and Uruguay, powered by more than 41 MWh of Corvus Energy battery systems.