EP4639672A1

EP4639672A1 - Battery container for an electrically-driven floating vessel

Info

Publication number: EP4639672A1
Application number: EP23837810.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Karolina ADOLFSSON; Erik GODØY; Otto Koch; Ragnar LANGÅKER; Svein Johnny NALEY
Original assignee: Norled AS
Current assignee: Norled AS
Priority date: 2022-12-22
Filing date: 2023-12-06
Publication date: 2025-10-29
Also published as: CN120731533A; AU2023408536A1; WO2024136663A1; NO348329B1; NO20221391A1; JP2026507764A

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery system (100) for an electrically-driven floating vessel (2), the battery system (100) comprising a battery container (6) for the electrically-driven float- ing vessel (2) and a battery socket (8) for being integrated in the electrically-driven floating vessel (2) The battery container (6) is configured for cooperating with the battery socket (8), the battery container (6) comprising a housing (6h). The power socket (99s) is pro- vided at a bottom side (BS) of the housing (6h) and is externally accessible for a power plug (99p) that matches the power socket (99s). The battery socket (8) has a receptacle (8r) for receiving the battery container (6), wherein the battery socket (8) is provided with a power plug (99p) on a battery receiving side (RS) within the receptacle (8r) and is exter- nally accessible for a power socket (99s) that matches the power plug (99p). The power socket (99s) and the power plug (99p) are provided such that an electric connection is es- tablished between the power socket (99s) and the power plug (99p) when the battery con- tainer (6) is placed in the battery socket (8) in operational use.

Description

BATTERY CONTAINER FOR AN ELECTRICALLY-DRIVEN FLOATING VESSEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a battery system for an electrically-driven floating vessel, the battery system comprising a battery container for the electrically-driven floating vessel and a battery socket for being integrated in the electrically-driven floating vessel. The invention further relates to a battery container for an electrically-driven floating vessel, the battery container being configured for cooperating with a battery socket. The invention also relates to a battery socket having a receptacle for receiving the battery container. The invention further relates to a floating vessel comprising the battery socket of the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, there has been an increased effort to make marine vessel switch from fuel driven motors to electric propulsion system to reduce the CO2 footprint of the maritime industry.

Maritime vessels, such as boats, ships, and ferries, powered by batteries, will normally have permanently installed batteries, which are charged when the vessel is at dock. Some ferries and most lightweight high-speed vessels used for shuttling passengers and vehicles spend only a few minutes at the quay, which is not sufficient time for charging the high-capacity batteries required for these types of maritime vessels.

One type of shuttle-service vessel is typically operating continuously for several hours in the morning and in the afternoon, while staying at the quay in the meantime. The fixed battery installation needed for several hours continuous operation would require large battery containers, leading to a large added weight on board. As lightweight high-speed vessels are weight sensitive, it is undesirable to load them with too much weight, as it causes energy consumption to increase. Other high-speed vessels are operating in long-haul routes along the coast or in a fjord. This trip can typically be several hours long, with intermediate stops along the route. There are normally no charging possibilities on the intermediate stops, meaning that the charging will need to take place only at the end stops and diesel will normally be required as a range-extender. A full-electric trip of this length would require a very large, permanently installed battery container. The weight and size of this battery container would become the dimensioning factor for the vessel, forcing an increase in the vessel size and cost. Furthermore, the required charging power at the end stops will become very high, sometimes leading to high grid reinforcement costs. Many harbours in remote areas where ferries visit do not have a power grid which allows for high-capacity battery charging. Hence, it is not possible to “boost-charge” during the few minutes a ferry is alongside. The only option then is to “slow-charge” batteries which are stored at these remote locations and swap these with the depleted batteries onboard.

An alternative to large, permanently installed battery containers, could be to use smaller battery containers, which could be swapped and charged at the quays, be it at end-stops or at intermediate stops, thus minimising added weight. This would make it possible for lightweight high-speed vessels to operate continuously for up to a full day by swapping battery containers at for example each or every second stop. In addition, using smaller battery containers which could be swapped, would enable normal sized vessels to perform a zero-emission long-haul journey on pure battery operation. Battery swap is also ideal for retrofitting existing diesel vessels, as these are normally not designed for carrying the weight of a large battery bank. Moreover, several vessels trafficking the same the quays can share a common battery pool, reducing the total battery capacity needed and benefitting from a sharing economy.

Hence it is necessary to find a solution for swapping used batteries with charged batteries while the vessel is docked at the quay. Such a battery swap should ideally be done fully automated and during the short time the vessel is docked.

WO 2018/084716 A1 describes a transport system for swapping rechargeable batteries between a battery room in a floating vessel and a charging station located outside the vessel, such that the vessel can be positioned close to the charging station. The transport system is based on a lifting table for moving the battery containers, a tower support with a movable arm configured to lift the battery containers using winch devices, or a conveyor belt for transporting the battery containers. The systems described in WO 2018/084716 A1 give complex operations which are difficult to do by automation. In addition, ship movements, particularly with small vessels, may cause delays in these battery transport operations.

WO 2020/190147 A1 describes a system for autonomous battery exchange system for a marine vessel, wherein self-driving battery assemblies drives between charging station on shore and docking station on vessel. The self-driving battery assemblies are configured for autonomous movement between the docking station and the charging station. For driving back and forth between the docking station and the charging station, the self-driving battery assemblies uses the loading ramp of the marine vessel at the quay, which could potentially interfere and interrupt the passage for vehicles or passengers and thus delaying the departure of the vessel.

WO 90/08093 describes a transport system for on- and off-loading containers from a floating vessel. The transport system comprises a boom that can span across the vessel, a crab that can move along the boom, and hoisting means for containers suspended from the crab. The boom is supported by two supporting structures, one on shore and one on a floating base on the seaside of the vessel. The floating part of the crane can be detached from the land mounted part.

Small marine vessels, such as the ones used in shuttle-services for passengers and vehicles, are more exposed to movements in the water while at the quay, compared to large container ships. The transport system described in WO 90/08093 is designed for large container ship and would not adequately compensate for the rolling and pitching of a small vessel. Ship movements, particularly with small ships, would cause delays while transporting the batteries back and forth. This crane system is therefore not so suitable for loading and unloading to and from a small marine vessel.

In view of the above-described problems there was and still is a need to further develop a transport system for loading and unloading objects, such as battery containers, to and from a floating vessel.

In view of this need the current applicant invented and developed a transport system for transporting an object, such as a battery container, back and forth between a storage area and a target area. The transport system comprises: i) a pedestal for being placed at one of the storage area and the target area, ii) a main boom pivotably connected to the pedestal, wherein the main boom has a far end that is configured for being supported by the other one of the storage area and the target area while allowing for at least one rotational degree of freedom between the main boom and the other one of the storage area and the target area, wherein a span of the main boom is passively adjustable in length, at least during a first operational mode of the transport system, iii) a transport boom being coupled with the main boom, and iv) an object handler guided by the transport boom and being configured for handling the object to be transported between the storage area and the target area. This transport system and all its embodiments are claimed and described in nonprepublished patent application PCT/N02022/050148.

In view of the above development of a transport system, the applicant also felt a need to develop a battery system (comprising at least one battery container with at least one corresponding battery socket) which is suitable for use on an electrically-driven floating vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has for its object to provide a battery system that facilitates faster exchange of battery containers on floating vessels, in particular when applied in combination with the transport system of non-prepublished patent application PCT/N02022/050148.

The object is achieved through features which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

In a first aspect the invention relates to a battery system for an electrically-driven floating vessel. The battery system comprises a battery container for the electrically-driven floating vessel and a battery socket for being integrated in the electrically-driven floating vessel. The battery container is configured for cooperating with the battery socket. The battery container comprises a housing, a plurality of battery modules placed within the housing, and a power socket. The plurality of battery modules is electrically connected together for forming a battery network that is coupled to the power socket for providing a supply voltage via terminals of the power socket. The power socket is provided at a bottom side of the housing and is externally accessible for a power plug that matches the power socket. The bottom side is defined as the side facing the battery socket in which the battery container is placed in operational use. The battery socket has a receptacle for receiving the battery container. The battery socket is provided with a power plug on a battery receiving side within the receptacle and is externally accessible for a power socket that matches the power plug. The battery receiving side is defined as the side facing the battery container when the battery container is placed in the battery socket operational use. The power socket and the power plug are provided such that an electric connection is established between the power socket and the power plug when the battery container is placed in the battery socket in operational use. In order to achieve this effect a location and orientation of the power plug matches a location and orientation of the power socket when the battery container is placed in the battery socket.

The effects of the features of the battery system in accordance with the invention are as follows.

First of all, there is provided a plurality of battery modules, which are electrically connected to form the right voltage, capacity and power density for the electrically-driven floating vessel. The plurality of battery modules are conveniently placed in the housing. Second, there is provided a power socket at the bottom side of the housing, which matches a corresponding power plug that is part of the battery socket in which the battery container is to be placed in operational use. In order to facilitate this the battery socket is designed with a receptacle for receiving the battery container. In the battery system of the invention the location, size and orientation of the power socket and the power plug are carefully chosen so as to facilitate that, when the battery container is placed into the battery socket (by simply lowering it into the battery socket) the power plug of the battery socket automatically connected with the power socket of the battery container. The connection is automatically established without the need for an operator to make connect the battery container to the vessel. This is a tremendous advantage, which not only is safer, but also leads to much faster exchange of the battery container(s) on the floating vessel. It must be noted that a floating vessel may have multiple battery sockets and there may also be more battery containers than there are battery sockets, which enables on-shore charging of battery containers, while the floating vessel uses its own battery containers for electrical propulsion.

In order to facilitate understanding of the invention one or more expressions are further defined hereinafter.

Throughout the description and claims the word “object” must be interpreted as any type of cargo that can be transported between two areas. The objects can be battery containers, hydrogen tanks, other modules, boxes, containers, or cargo. Throughout the description and claims the wording “battery container” must be interpreted as a set of any number of (preferably) identical batteries or individual battery cells. They may be configured in series, parallel or a mixture of both to deliver the desired voltage, capacity or power density. Besides the batteries or battery cells, there may be other components such as temperature sensors, cooling systems, control electronics, etcetera. Others may also refer to a battery container with the term “battery pack” or the like.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “battery socket” must be interpreted as a confined or defined space, which is configured for receiving a battery container, both mechanically as well as electrically by plugging the battery container into a battery system when it is provided in the battery socket.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “battery system” must be interpreted as the combination of a battery container together with its corresponding battery socket or a series of battery containers together with their corresponding battery socket. Obviously, there may be more battery containers than there are battery sockets in certain battery systems, particularly when it concerns a battery system for an electrically-driven floating vessel.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “object handler” must be interpreted as any type of gripping device for gripping and lifting an object. Alternative words for object handler are docking head, Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), docking hook, docking bar, docking claw, docking mushroom, vacuum suction cup, vacuum head, docking mechanism, cargo actuator, movable trolley, a load actuator, a robot gripper, a robot arm, an automated hook, a magnetic head, and a latch mechanism.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “storage area” must be interpreted as any area where objects can be placed. The storage area can be an area on shore, on a floating platform, on a floating vessel or on a quay.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “target area” must be interpreted as any area where objects can be placed. The storage area can be an area on shore, on a floating platform, on a floating vessel or on a quay.

Throughout the description and claims the word “pedestal” must be interpreted as any structure than can support a boom. Alternative words for pedestal are crane support, robot-arm support, beam support and boom support. Throughout the description and claims the word “boom” must be interpreted as a structure that comprises an arm extended in the horizontal plane. Alternative words for boom are arm, robotic arm, member, beam.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “passively adjustable” must be interpreted as adjustable under the influence of external forces, i.e. , the movement (i.e. pitch, roll, yaw, heave, sway, and surge) of a floating vessel when docked to the shore. This means that when the main boom is passively adjustable due to movements of the floating vessel that the main boom does not create intentional counterforces to dampen or counteract these movements.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “transport boom” must be interpreted as a structure that comprises an arm extended in the horizontal plane which can move an object handler, or on which an object handler can be guided along. Alternative words for transport boom are arm, robotic arm, member, beam, guide.

Throughout the description and claims the word “coupling” must be interpreted as a connection between two booms. It can be a fixed coupling, or a movable or slidable coupling. Alternative words for coupling are connection, lock or joint.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “telescopic joint” must be interpreted as a movable connection between two members, wherein one is slidable inside the other member. Alternative words for telescopic joint are telescopic connection and telescopic coupling.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “floating vessel” must be interpreted as a vessel floating on a body of water. Alternative words for floating vessel are marine vessel, high-speed vessel, ferry, ship, boat, barge, and raft.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “floating platform” must be interpreted as a platform floating on a body of water. Alternative words for floating vessel are barge, raft, pontoon, base and buoy.

Throughout the description and claims the wording “transport apparatus” must be interpreted as any apparatus that can receive the object and move it within reach of the object handler or outside the reaching of the object handler. Alternative words for transport apparatus are platform, rotatable carousel, movable platform, conveyor belt, vehicle, robot storage facility, fork-lift, crane, and rack-and-pinion system. In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention the bottom side of the housing is provided with a plurality of feet for supporting the battery container. The plurality of feet are advantageous because they keep the battery container steady when placed on the floating vessel. They may also be provided with grip-enhancing surfaces for increasing the grip with a deck of the floating vessel.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention the plurality of feet are designed to match corresponding holes in the battery socket. This embodiment provides a very firm placeholding effect of the battery container.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention at least one of the plurality of feet is shaped with an indent such that it can be gripped by a locking mechanism in the battery socket to keep the battery container within the battery socket in operational use. A plurality of feet which stick into corresponding holes will provide a firm placeholding effect in two dimensions but does not prevent the feet to be pulled out of the hole. The current embodiment facilitates solving that problem, because the indent may be gripped by a locking mechanism, which may be integrated in or near the hole. The more feet are provided with such indent the better the battery container may be gripped and held in the battery socket.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention the housing is provided with at least one ventilation hole for allowing ventilation of the space within the housing around the battery modules. Battery modules often have ventilation holes. When such battery modules are placed within a tight housing the ventilation of the battery modules is reduced or taken away completely. The current embodiment conveniently “translates” the ventilation functionality of the battery modules to the external housing of the battery container. This embodiment in fact constitutes a separate invention, which may be applied without the power plug and power socket of the first aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention the housing is provided with at least one over-pressure valve for allowing a certain overpressure within the housing to escape to free air. Battery modules may fail in that they may catch fire or even explode. In order to reduce the hazard battery modules may have one or more over-pressure valves, to facilitate overpressure protection. When such battery modules are placed within a tight housing the overpressure protection may also need to be translated to the external housing. The current embodiment conveniently carries out this “translation”. This embodiment in fact constitutes a separate invention, which may be applied without the power plug and power socket of the first aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention a top side of the housing is provided with a gripping interface for being gripped by an object handler of a transport system for transporting the battery container back and forth between a storage area and the battery socket. The gripping interface facilitates the transportation of the battery container between the floating vessel and the short as is also explained in non-prepublished patent application PCT/N02022/050148.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention the housing comprises a cooling system coupled with the plurality of battery modules for cooling the battery modules. Some conventional battery modules are provided with cooling fluid/liquid-based channels. Providing a cooling system in the housing may facilitate the cooling of fluid/liq- uid that is transported through the channels of the battery modules thus keeping the batteries at the right temperature during operation, but also during electric charging. The detailed description provides more details on this feature.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention the receptacle of the battery socket is provided with a plurality of holes designed to match corresponding feet of the battery container. This embodiment is advantageous in combination with the earlier embodiment describing the plurality of feet on battery container. This embodiment effectively keeps the battery container in place during operational use because the feet are received in the holes.

In an embodiment of battery system according to the invention at least one of the plurality of holes is provided with a locking mechanism for gripping the feet of the battery container for keeping the battery container within the battery socket in operational use. This embodiment is advantageous in combination with the earlier embodiment describing indent on at least one of the feet. The locking mechanism thus will grip the indent, which avoids the respective foot to be pulled out of the hole, thereby keeping the battery container within the battery socket.

In a second aspect the invention relates to a battery container for an electrically-driven floating vessel, the battery container being configured for cooperating with a battery socket. The battery container comprises a housing, a plurality of battery modules placed within the housing, and a power socket. The plurality of battery modules is electrically connected together for forming a battery network that is coupled to the power socket for providing a supply voltage via terminals of the power socket. The power socket is provided at a bottom side of the housing and is externally accessible for a power plug that matches the power socket. The bottom side is defined as the side facing the battery socket in which the battery container is placed in operational use. The power socket is provided such that an electric connection is established between the power socket and the power plug when the battery container is placed in the battery socket in operational use. In order to achieve this effect a location and orientation of the power plug matches a location and orientation of the power socket when the battery container is placed in the battery socket.

The invention is about a two-part system, namely a battery container and a battery socket for receiving such battery container. The invention in accordance with the second aspect concerns one of these two cooperating parts, namely the battery container. Below follow the embodiments of the battery container that were also already discussed (concerning their effects and advantages) in view of the battery system in accordance with the first aspect.

In an embodiment of battery container according to the invention the bottom side of the housing is provided with a plurality of feet for supporting the battery container.

In an embodiment of battery container according to the invention the plurality of feet are designed to match corresponding holes in the battery socket.

In an embodiment of battery container according to the invention at least one of the plurality of feet is shaped with an indent such that it can be gripped by a locking mechanism in the battery socket to keep the battery container within the battery socket in operational use.

In an embodiment of battery container according to the invention the housing is provided with at least one ventilation hole for allowing ventilation of the space within the housing around the battery modules.

In an embodiment of battery container according to the invention the housing is provided with at least one over-pressure valve for allowing a certain overpressure within the housing to escape to free air.

In an embodiment of battery container according to the invention a top side of the housing is provided with a gripping interface for being gripped by an object handler of a transport system for transporting the battery container back and forth between a storage area and the battery socket.

In a third aspect the invention relates to a battery socket having a receptacle for receiving the battery container in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 13. The battery socket is provided with a power plug on a battery receiving side within the receptacle and is externally accessible for a power socket that matches the power plug. The battery receiving side is defined as the side facing the battery container when the battery container is placed in the battery socket operational use. The power plug is provided such that an electric connection is established between the power plug and the power socket when the battery container is placed in the battery socket in operational use. In order to achieve this effect the location and orientation of the power plug matches the location and orientation of the power socket when the battery container is placed in the battery socket.

The invention is about a two-part system, namely a battery container and a battery socket for receiving such battery container. The invention in accordance with the third aspect concerns the other one of these two cooperating parts, namely the battery socket. Below follow the embodiments of the battery socket that were also already discussed (concerning their effects and advantages) in view of the battery system in accordance with the first aspect.

In an embodiment of battery socket according to the invention the receptacle of the battery socket is provided with a plurality of holes designed to match corresponding feet of the battery container.

In an embodiment of battery socket according to the invention at least one of the plurality of holes is provided with a locking mechanism for gripping the feet of the battery container for keep the battery container within the battery socket in operational use.

In a fourth aspect the invention relates to a floating vessel comprising the battery socket in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, wherein the floating vessel comprises an electric motor for propulsion of the floating vessel, wherein the battery socket is electrically coupled with the electric motor. The floating vessel is conveniently adapted for receiving the battery container in accordance with the second aspect of the invention by providing it with the battery socket in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

In an embodiment of floating vessel according to the invention the battery socket is provided on a deck of the floating vessel. As already explained in non-prepublished patent application PCT/N 02022/050148 the inventors realized that the battery containers of an electrically-driven may be placed on the deck of the floating vessel, which renders the exchange of battery containers much faster.

In an embodiment of floating vessel according to the invention the battery container in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, is provided in the battery socket for providing electric power to the electric motor. This embodiment completes the floating vessel for departure.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following is described examples of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a transport system as previously developed by the applicant;

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a floating vessel in accordance with the current invention having a carousel on its deck;

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the carousel of Fig. 2 having two battery sockets and two battery containers in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a battery container in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 5 shows the battery container of Fig. 4, wherein the housing is removed;

Figs. 6a-6b show different views of the battery module used in the battery container of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 shows a bottom module of the battery container of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the battery container of Fig. 4, wherein the bottom side is visible;

Fig. 9 shows the bottom module of Fig. 7, wherein the bottom side is visible;

Fig. 10 shows the power socket of the battery container of Fig. 4; Fig. 11 shows the power plug used in an embodiment of a battery socket in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the carousel of Fig. 2, wherein the battery containers are removed and the battery socket is visible;

Fig. 13 shows a top view of the carousel of Fig. 12, wherein two battery sockets are visible, and

Fig. 14 shows how the battery container of Fig. 4 is placed in the battery socket of Figs. 12 and 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various illustrative embodiments of the present subject matter are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The present subject matter will now be described with reference to the attached figures. Various systems, structures and devices are schematically depicted in the figures for purposes of explanation only and to not obscure the present disclosure with details that are well known to those skilled in the art. Nevertheless, the attached figures are included to describe and explain illustrative examples of the present disclosure. The words and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the understanding of those words and phrases by those skilled in the relevant art. No special definition of a term or phrase, i.e. , a definition that is different from the ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, is intended to be implied by consistent usage of the term or phrase herein. To the extent that a term or phrase is intended to have a special meaning, i.e., a meaning other than that understood by skilled artisans, such a special definition will be expressly set forth in the specification in a definitional manner that directly and unequivocally provides the special definition for the term or phrase.

The invention relates to a battery system for an electrically-driven vessel. Such battery system comprises a battery container and a corresponding battery socket. Some details of this transport system are repeated in this application. For all remaining details it is referred to the earlier-mentioned non-prepublished patent application PCT/N02022/050148.

The invention will be discussed in detail with reference to the figures. The figures will be mainly discussed in as far as they differ from previous figures.

Fig. 1 shows a transport system as previously developed by the applicant. The figure shows a transport system 1 on the shore 3 comprising a platform 60. It further shows a floating vessel 2 approaching the shore 3 where the storage area 4 is located. The battery containers 6 are stored on the platform 60 on the shore 3, and on a rotatable carousel 31 on the floating vessel 2. The transport system 1 comprises a pedestal with a main boom 11 pivotably mounted to the pedestal. The far end 11e of the main boom 11 comprises a vertical support 14 and the target area 5 on the floating vessel 2 comprises a support 32 configured for receiving the vertical support 14 such that the transport system 1 can rest on the floating vessel 2 and automatically follow its movements. The vertical support 14 is supported by the support 32 and forms a pivotably coupling therewith. The main boom 11 is provided with a transport boom 12 onto which an object handler 13 is provided. The object handler 13 is for picking up objects, such as battery containers 6, transporting and releasing them.

Fig. 1 further discloses a transport apparatus on the storage area 4. The transport apparatus 30 comprises a housing 51. The housing 51 may be lifted and lowered with the platform 60. The housing 51 may also be fastened to the platform 60. The housing 51 may shelter the battery containers 6 from for example wind and rain during storing and charging of the battery containers 6. The housing 51 comprises two slidable mid doors 52 that are closed when the transport system 1 is in the parked mode. The housing 51 also comprises side doors 53 of which one is visible.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a floating vessel 2 in accordance with the current invention having a carousel 31 on its deck 2d. The floating vessel 2 may be a ferry, a fast ferry, or any other type of boat, platform or ship. As discussed in non-prepublished patent application PCT/N02022/050148 the carousel 31 can be rotated as illustrated by the circular arrows such that each of the battery containers/battery slots can be made available to the transport system 1 of Fig. 1 by simply rotating the carousel.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the carousel 31 of Fig. 2 having two battery sockets 8 and two battery containers 6 in accordance with the invention. The battery sockets 8 are not clearly visible and will therefore be discussed with reference other figures. The carousel 31 of Fig.3 comprises two battery sockets 8, which each is provided with a battery container 6.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a battery container 6 in accordance with the invention. The battery container 6 comprises a housing 6h. On the top of the housing 6h there is provided a gripping interface 25 on a top side TS thereof for allowing handling by the transport system 1 of Fig. 1. The gripping interface 25 may be hook or something similar which allows the earlier-mentioned object handler 13 to grip and hold the battery container 6 for transportation. Fig. 4 also shows a bottom module 6b with further features, which will be further explained with reference to later figures. There are also visible ventilation holes 6v on the side of the housing 6h of the battery container 6. These ventilation holes 6v are for venting out potential fumes which potentially can be released from the battery The housing further comprises removable plastic covers 6z as illustrated. The removable plastic covers allow access to the battery modules and also provide weather protection. The ventilation holes 6v serve to effectively “translate” the same function of the battery modules 6m to the outside of the housing 6h of the battery container. The battery container in the embodiment of Fig. 4 has the following dimensions. The width is 1600mm. The length is 2250 mm. The height is 2200 mm. The total weight of the battery container 6 is about 8000 kg.

Fig. 5 shows the battery container 6 of Fig. 4, wherein the housing 6h is removed. In the bottom module 6b there are now visible a cooling system 6c (which may be an air-to-liquid heat pump). On top of the cooling system 6c there are provided a plurality of battery modules 6m, in this embodiment ten battery modules 6m arranged in two stacks of five each stack placed side by side, as illustrated. Each battery module 6m comprises high-capacity lithium batteries in the current embodiment. However the invention is not restricted to any specific type of battery technology. It goes without saying that any other number of battery modules may be chosen and any other physical arrangement of them. The battery modules 6m may be bought as a standard product as such. In the current embodiment these battery modules 6m were bought from the firm Akasol and are of the type "AKASYSTEM 9 AKM 150 CYC". The plurality of battery modules 6m are electrically connected together for forming a battery network 90. The battery network 90 is electrically connected to a power socket 99s that is provided in the bottom module 99 and accessible from a bottom side BS of the battery container 6.

This battery module used in the embodiment of Fig. 5 has several features integrated therein, amongst others it is prepared for being cooled by means of integrated cooling channels (not visible) through which liquid may flow. In Fig. 5 there are visible liquid supply channels 7 which connect the cooling system 6c with the cooling channels of the battery modules 6m. On the other side of the battery container 6 there may also be channels in some embodiments.

The bottom module 6b of Fig. 5 further comprises an electronics module 6el for controlling various functions of the battery container 6. Electronics module 6 comprises fuses that are placed in between the power socket 99s and the battery modules 6m. The module 6 also comprises a data logger for logging of communication signals.

Figs. 6a-6b show different views of the battery module 6m used in the battery container 6 of Fig. 4. In Fig 6a. there is visible a first one of the short sides of the battery module 6m. This side shows a first connector 6m 1 for providing electric power. The first connector 6m 1 is for connection with the main electric cable. There is also shown a second connector 6m2 for connection with the control system. On the long side there are visible three lids 6L for allowing access to bolts that connect the different modules 6m together. The same lids 6L are visible on the other long side of the battery module 6m as visible in Fig.6b. Fig. 6b further shows a pair of third connectors 6m3 for connection with a cooling system. There is also shown a pair of overpressure valves 6m4 for allowing overpressure to escape to the outside world.

Fig. 7 shows a bottom module 6b of the battery container 6 of Fig. 4. The cooling system 6c is visible on the left side of the bottom module 6b. The bottom module 6b comprises an air outlets 6pi, 6po, which is an air-to-liquid heat pump in the current embodiment. Different components are visible via an opening 6cp in the housing of the bottom module 6b, as illustrated. This opening 6cp serves as an air intake for the cooling system 6c. During operation fans of the cooling system 6c such in air through opening 6cp and feeds it to a heat exchanger (not shown). The heat exchanger then blows the same air out through air outlets 6pi, 6po.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the battery container 6 of Fig. 4, wherein the bottom side BS is visible. The figure shows the housing 6h which comprises the earlier-discussed battery modules 6m and the bottom module 6m. On the bottom side BS of the housing (which is the bottom side BS of the bottom module 6b) there is visible the earlier-dis- cussed power socket 99s, which forms a part of a first invention disclosed in the current application. Also four feet 80 the bottom side BS is

Fig. 9 shows the bottom module 6b of Fig. 7, wherein the bottom side BS is visible. In this figures the feet 80 are disclosed in more detail. In the current example two of the four feet 80 are provided with an indent 81. These indents 81 are designed to cooperate with a locking mechanism for holding the feet 80 in place as will be discussed later. Fig. 9 also illustrated clearly that the power socket 99s is placed off-centred relative to the sidewalls of the bottom module 6b. This ensures that the battery contained can only be placed in the battery socket in one way. It goes without saying that the placement of the power plug 99p then has to match the placement of the power socket 99s. In the current embodiment the smallest distance between an edge of the power socket to the shortest sidewall of the bottom module 6b is 550 mm. The placement of the power socket 99s relative to the long sidewalls is exactly in the middle.

Fig. 10 shows the power socket 99p of the battery container 6 of Fig. 4. The power socket 99p was specifically designed by the applicant for the current invention. The design concerns the dimensions of the socket housing 99sh as well as the placement of the terminals 99st of the power socket 99s. The inner dimensions of the power socket 99s are 465 mm by 300 mm.

Fig. 11 shows the power plug 99p used in an embodiment of a battery socket 8 in accordance with the invention. The power plug 99p is designed to match the power socket of Fig. 10. The design concerns the dimensions of the plug housing 99ph as well as the placement of the terminals 99pt of the power plug 99p. The outer dimensions of the power socket 99s are 465 mm by 300 mm.

As far as the dimensioning of the power socket 99s and the power plug 99p of the battery container 6 and battery socket 8 is concerned a lot of variations are possible. All these variations are covered by the current invention.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the carousel 31 of Fig. 2, wherein the battery containers 6 are removed and the battery socket 8 is visible. Fig. 13 shows a top view of the carousel 31 of Fig. 12, wherein two battery sockets 8 are visible. The carousel 31 of this embodiment has two receptacles 8r, each receptacle 8r being designed for receiving a battery container 6. The carousel 31 is rotatable around an axis, which coincides with the support 32. Each receptacle 8r is provided with a power plug 99p at a battery receiving side RS thereof, as illustrated. Fig. 13 clearly illustrated how the power plug 99p is placed in the receptacle and corresponds with the placement and orientation of the power socket 99s of the battery container 6. In addition, there are shown holes 85, which correspond with the placement of the feet 80 of the battery container 6. The holes 85 are designed to receive the earlier-discussed feet 80. At least one of the holes 85 of each receptacle 8r is provided with a locking mechanism 86, which is schematically illustrated with an arrow. There exist many different technical solutions for gripping the indent 81 of the feet 80. Therefore this is not discussed in further detail.

Fig. 14 shows how the battery container 6 of Fig. 4 is placed in the battery socket 8 of Figs. 12 and 13. After that the transport system 1 of Fig. 1 is transported the battery container 6 to a position above the receptacle the battery container 6 is lowered as indicated by the arrows. By doing so the feet 80 are received by the holes 85. The shape of the feet 80 is preferably designed such that they have a centring effect bringing the battery container 6 in the exact location and orientation while being lowered. At the same time while the feet 80 are lowered in the corresponding holes 85 the power socket 99s of the battery back 6 connects with the power plug 99p. As a consequence of this feature the battery container 6 obtained an automatic connection functionality.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. The housing 6h as illustrated in the drawings shows a modular structure. However, the housing 6h may also be designed as a single unit. Alternatively, there are many variations possible when it comes down to the lids and placement of the ventilation holes.

The person skilled in the art may easily find further alternative solutions for the battery system. The invention covers all these variants as long as they are covered by the independent claims. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an ele- ment does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. In the device claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. Battery system (100) for an electrically-driven floating vessel (2), the battery system (100) comprising a battery container (6) for the electrically-driven floating vessel (2) and a battery socket (8) for being integrated in the electrically-driven floating vessel (2), wherein the battery container (6) is configured for cooperating with the battery socket (8), the battery container (6) comprising a housing (6h), a plurality of battery modules (6m) placed within the housing (6h), and a power socket (99s), the plurality of battery modules (6m) being electrically connected together for forming a battery network (90) being coupled to the power socket (99s) for providing a supply voltage via terminals (99st) of the power socket (99s), wherein the power socket (99s) is provided at a bottom side (BS) of the housing (6h) and is externally accessible for a power plug (99p) that matches the power socket (99s), the bottom side (BS) being defined as the side facing the battery socket (8) in which the battery container (6) is placed in operational use, wherein the battery socket (8) has a receptacle (8r) for receiving the battery container (6), wherein the battery socket (8) is provided with a power plug (99p) on a battery receiving side (RS) within the receptacle (8r) and is externally accessible for a power socket (99s) that matches the power plug (99p), the battery receiving side (RS) being defined as the side facing the battery container (6) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8) operational use, wherein the power socket (99s) and the power plug (99p) are provided such that an electric connection is established between the power socket (99s) and the power plug (99p) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8) in operational use, a location and orientation of the power plug (99p) matching a location and orientation of the power socket (99s) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8).

2. The battery system (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom side (BS) of the housing (6h) is provided with a plurality of feet (80) for supporting the battery container (6).

3. The battery system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of feet (80) are designed to match corresponding holes (85) in the battery socket (8).

4. The battery system (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of feet (80) is shaped with an indent (81) such that it can be gripped by a locking mechanism (86) in the battery socket (8) to keep the battery container (6) within the battery socket (8) in operational use.

5. The battery system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (6h) is provided with at least one ventilation hole (6v) for allowing ventilation of the space within the housing (6h) around the battery modules (6m).

6. The battery system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (6h) is provided with at least one over-pressure valve (6z) for allowing a certain overpressure within the housing (6h) to escape to free air.

7. The battery system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a top side (TS) of the housing (6h) is provided with a gripping interface (25) for being gripped by an object handler (13) of a transport system (1) for transporting the battery container (6) back and forth between a storage area (4) and the battery socket (5).

8. The battery system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (6h) comprises a cooling system (6c) coupled with the plurality of battery modules (6m) for cooling the battery modules (6m).

9. The battery system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (8r) of the battery socket (8) is provided with a plurality of holes (85) designed to match corresponding feet (80) of the battery container (6).

10. The battery system (100) according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes (85) is provided with a locking mechanism (86) for gripping the feet (80) of the battery container (6) for keeping the battery container (6) within the battery socket (8) in operational use.

11 . Battery container (6) for an electrically-driven floating vessel (2), the battery container (6) being configured for cooperating with a battery socket (8), the battery container (6) comprising a housing (6h), a plurality of battery modules (6m) placed within the housing (6h), and a power socket (99s), the plurality of battery modules (6m) being electrically connected together for forming a battery network (90) being coupled to the power socket (99s) for providing a supply voltage via terminals (99st) of the power socket (99s), wherein the power socket (99s) being provided at a bottom side (BS) of the housing (6h) and being externally accessible for a power plug (99p) that matches the power socket (99s), the bottom side (BS) being defined as the side facing the battery socket (8) in which the battery container (6) is placed in operational use, the power socket (99s) being provided such that an electric connection is established between the power socket (99s) and the power plug (99p) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8) in operational use, a location and orientation of the power plug (99p) matching a location and orientation of the power socket (99s) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8).

12. The battery container (6) according to claim 11, wherein the bottom side (BS) of the housing (6h) is provided with a plurality of feet (80) for supporting the battery container (6).

13. The battery container (6) according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of feet (80) are designed to match corresponding holes (85) in the battery socket (8).

14. Battery socket (8) having a receptacle (8r) for receiving the battery container (6) in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the battery socket (8) is provided with a power plug (99p) on a battery receiving side (RS) within the receptacle (8r) and being externally accessible for a power socket (99s) that matches the power plug (99p), the battery receiving side (RS) being defined as the side facing the battery container (6) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8) operational use, the power plug (99p) being provided such that an electric connection is established between the power plug (99p) and the power socket (99s) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8) in operational use, the location and orientation of the power plug (99p) matching the location and orientation of the power socket (99s) when the battery container (6) is placed in the battery socket (8).

15. The battery socket (8) according to claim 14, wherein the receptacle (8r) of the battery socket (8) is provided with a plurality of holes (85) designed to match corresponding feet (80) of the battery container (6).

16. The battery socket (8) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes (85) is provided with a locking mechanism (86) for gripping the feet (80) of the battery container (6) for keep the battery container (6) within the battery socket (8) in operational use.

17. A floating vessel (2) comprising the battery socket (8) in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the floating vessel (2) comprises an electric motor for propulsion of the floating vessel (2), wherein the battery socket (8) is electrically coupled with the electric motor.

18. The floating vessel (2) of claim 17, wherein the battery socket (8) is provided on a deck (2d) of the floating vessel (2).

19. The floating vessel (2) of claim 16 or 17, wherein the battery container (6) in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 13, is provided in the battery socket (8) for provid- ing electric power to the electric motor.