EST-Floattech has announced the official launch of the Octopus Series battery system. The new production line is in place, and the first modules of the new battery system have been delivered to clients. On Wednesday, April 12th Europarlementarian Caroline Nagtegaal-van Doorn officially opened the production line, simultaneously launching the Octopus Series.
The Octopus platform is a modular battery management system developed to configure a variety of batteries. This battery management system (BMS) provides a user-friendly interface that connects the battery.
As it can integrate a range of battery configurations and chemistries, it is adaptable to diverse applications, while maintaining a consistent interface for the customer. The BMS is an integral part of the safety management of the batteries and offers remote monitoring, diagnostics, and service.
The Octopus Series currently offers two main types of battery modules: High Energy and High Power. The High Energy batteries are designed for long-duration and large-scale battery installations.
The High Power modules deliver a lot of power (kW), combined with limited energy storage (kWh), which, in practical terms, means a short (dis-)charging time. This can be used in fast-charging ferries, that make short trips and need to charge during stops.
In addition, the company is at an advanced stage with the development of a lite and lite xl version of the Octopus batteries. Secondly, modules based on LFP are also under development.
In addition to a fixed configuration – placing the system in a dedicated battery room – the Octopus Series battery system is available as a containerized solution, that can be placed on different types of vessels. The Octopus Containerized Solution is available in 10- and 20-foot containers.
Walter van der Pennen, CCO at EST-Floattech, commented: “The market is growing, to improve sustainability and due to goals set by regulations. The energy transition in the maritime market has really started, and in the past few years, there has been an increase in electrically powered vessels. As a result, you see more and more differentiation in the applications needed by shipowners and shipbuilders, not only for direct propulsion but also for various equipment, machinery, peak performance, and hotel loads. In addition, new types of applications are being thought of as we speak.”
The Octopus Series battery system is the second system of EST-Floattech that has received DNV type approval.
Mark Witjens, CEO at EST-Floattech, explained: “EST started developing battery systems to be used on board ships already some 14 years ago, as soon as it became apparent that energy storage systems would play an important role in the reduction of CO2 emitted by shipping. Our innovative Octopus system can be applied at such a scale, that it will pass the so-called positive tipping point and we have sized our new production facilities and methods to accommodate this expected increase in demand. The associated increase in production volume will enable a further reduction in cost, making the Octopus Series another big step towards a zero-emission maritime industry.”
