ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services, has published its Guide for Use of Supercapacitors in the Marine and Offshore Industries (Supercapacitor Guide) to support safe application of hybrid power in the marine and offshore industries. The Supercapacitor Guide delineates types of supercapacitors, including electrochemical capacitors and lithium-ion capacitors, and defines requirements for design, construction and installation of supercapacitors in marine and offshore applications. The Guide has been published because, according to ABS, the maritime industry is increasingly interested in using supercapacitors as an energy storage solution when quick energy delivery is required during a peak loading condition. Particularly, offshore supply vessel (OSV) owners are considering supercapacitors to supplement energy supply during high-load operations, such as using power thrusters for dynamic positioning while station keeping. We are developing a series of guides on energy storage systems so our clients have as many options as possible to effectively manage energy use, said ABS senior VP of engineering and technology Derek Novak. Supercapacitors have a high power density and a fast charging and discharging process to augment other power sources which can greatly improve the efficiency of traditional energy sources. This guide is the second in a series on hybrid-electric power systems following the ABS Guide for Use of Lithium Batteries in the Marine in Offshore Industries. ABS also issued the ABS Advisory on Hybrid Electric Power Systems, which has been designed to take a measured approach to evaluating potential advantages and disadvantages, challenges and levels of readiness for the primary hybrid-electric power systems and components most suited for marine and offshore applications.
