EAS Batteries, in collaboration with Klaipėda University, has successfully reached Milestone 7, validating the proposed mechanical and electrical battery models designed to increase battery lifetime by more than 10% under cold-weather conditions.
As part of this work, battery cells underwent extensive testing to identify the most suitable solution for operation at low temperatures. The selected LFP cell chemistry combines a long cycle life with good performance under cold-weather conditions, providing a strong basis for the development of durable battery systems for retrofitted fishing vessels.
To further enhance battery performance and lifetime, an innovative fluid side-cooling concept has been integrated into the battery pack design. This approach helps maintain the cells within their optimal operating temperature range, supporting efficient operation and reducing temperature-related ageing.
A key part of the collaborative work between EAS Batteries and Klaipėda University focused on thermal simulation and modelling. The simulation provided valuable insights into heat generation and temperature distribution within the battery pack, supporting the optimisation of its thermal and mechanical design. The thermal simulation and the accompanying figure are the result of this joint work with Klaipėda University.
The results show that the use of a plastic battery housing helps keep cell temperatures significantly closer to their nominal operating range. Under simulated outdoor conditions of −10°C, the battery temperature decreases to only approximately −4°C after two hours, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed thermal design.
With the selected cells capable of reaching up to 4,000 cycles under specific operating conditions, these results represent an important step towards ensuring the long-term and reliable operation of battery-powered and battery-retrofitted fishing vessels, even in cold maritime environments.
This achievement contributes directly to REFEST’s objective of developing safe, efficient and durable battery solutions specifically optimised for cold-weather maritime applications.