In maritime navigation, a stable and reliable power supply is crucial. As an important component of the ship's power system, marine battery packs are widely used in scenarios such as emergency power supply, temporary emergency power supply, and diesel engine starting power supply. Their performance directly relates to the safety and power assurance of the vessel.
Depending on different requirements, marine battery packs are mainly divided into the following types:
Acid-lead plate batteries: These batteries are cost-effective and highly reliable, making them suitable for applications that require stable power supply.
Alkaline nickel plate batteries: Known for excellent durability and high-temperature performance, these batteries perform exceptionally well in harsh marine environments.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries: With high energy density, long lifespan, and environmental friendliness, these batteries are increasingly becoming the first choice for many vessels.
Regardless of the type of marine battery pack, its design and structure must ensure that no electrolyte spills when the vessel is tilted at 40°, and it must effectively prevent the emission of acid or alkaline fumes. Additionally, marine battery packs must have strong vibration resistance and anti-sway capabilities to withstand complex sea conditions.
In the ship's power system, marine battery packs play a crucial role. For situations where the vessel's power equipment is not reliant on electrical power, marine battery packs, serving as the main power source, emergency power, or temporary emergency power, must have a discharge termination voltage that reaches at least 88% of the nominal voltage within the specified power supply time.
Moreover, there are strict capacity requirements for diesel engine starting battery packs. Without supplementary charging, each main engine must be capable of at least 12 consecutive cold starts, and each auxiliary engine must be capable of at least 10 starts. During the final start, with a discharge interval of no more than 15 seconds, the discharge termination voltage must not fall below 50% of the nominal voltage.
To ensure the reliability and lifespan of marine battery packs, a comprehensive protection and charging/discharging management system is essential.
Protection Devices
Except for diesel engine starting battery packs, all emergency power and temporary emergency power battery packs must be equipped with protection devices to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, or short-circuiting.
Charging Equipment
All marine battery packs must be equipped with charging devices of sufficient capacity, and these devices must have reverse current protection functions. The charging equipment must ensure that the battery pack is charged to its rated capacity within 10 hours from a fully discharged state. Semiconductor charging equipment should be equipped with radio interference suppression measures to ensure that ship communication equipment is not affected.
Voltage Control and Monitoring
When using float charging or directly connecting the load to the battery pack, the charging voltage should be controlled within the safe range of all connected devices. If the equipment cannot operate at the maximum charging voltage, a voltage regulator or other voltage control devices should be provided.
Monitoring Instruments
Each marine battery pack's charging/discharging box (panel) should be equipped with both an ammeter and a voltmeter. The voltmeter's dial should have clear markings indicating the allowable discharge lower limit of the battery, allowing the crew to monitor it in real-time.
Marine battery packs are not only an essential guarantee for a ship's power system but also a critical link in ensuring navigation safety. From selecting the appropriate battery type to properly configuring protection and charging/discharging equipment, every detail needs careful consideration. Through scientific maintenance and management, marine battery packs can provide stable and reliable power support at critical moments.
