Gempow.Earth

By positioning a floating solar plant near a port or terminal, the generated solar power can be harnessed to provide the electricity required for cold ironing. The power produced by the floating solar panels can be fed into the onshore power grid or directly connected to the shore connection points specifically designed for cold ironing.

A floating solar plant, consists of solar panels that are mounted on floating platforms or structures on water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, or even the sea either near shore or offshore, making an efficient use of water surfaces for solar energy generation, by reducing the need for large land areas that would otherwise be required for ground-mounted solar installations. The electricity generated by the floating solar panels can be fed into the onshore power supply infrastructure, which then supplies the power to the ships through the shore connection points, or through floating connection points at the anchorage.

Integrating Battery Energy Storage with a floating solar plant enhances the reliability and flexibility of cold ironing energy supply. It allows for better management of variable solar generation and ensures a stable power supply to meet the ships’ electrical needs during docking or at anchorage.

Cold ironing battery barges and trailers, also known as battery-powered shore power, are specialized vessels or trailers equipped with battery energy storage systems that provide electrical power to ships during cold ironing operations. These barges or trailers serve as mobile power stations, supplying clean and reliable electricity to ships while they are docked or at anchor.

Here’s how cold ironing battery supply work:

Battery Energy Storage: The battery barge or trailer is equipped with a large-capacity battery energy storage system. This system stores electrical energy supplied from various sources, such as renewable energy from floating solar plants or the grid, for later use, when excess renewable energy is available or during off-peak periods.

Power Distribution: The battery barge or trailer is connected to the ship through a shore connection system, similar to traditional cold ironing infrastructure. The electrical power from the battery storage is then distributed to the ship’s onboard electrical system through the connection.

Power Management: The battery’s power management system monitors the power demand of the ship and ensures a stable supply. It regulates the flow of electricity from the battery storage to match the ship’s requirements, providing a continuous and reliable power source.

Flexibility and Mobility: Cold ironing battery barges and trailers offer flexibility as they can be positioned near different ships and docks as needed. They can be moved to different port areas to serve multiple vessels or be relocated to accommodate changing operational requirements.

The use of battery cold ironing offers several benefits:

Emissions Reduction: By providing ships with clean shore power, battery’s cold ironing contribute to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, improving air quality in port areas.

Noise Reduction: Ships relying on battery-powered shore power produce less noise compared to using onboard generators, leading to quieter and more environmentally friendly port operations.

Scalability: Battery barges and trailers can be designed with scalable battery capacity to accommodate different ship sizes and power demands. Additional battery modules can be added to meet increasing power requirements.

Integration with Renewable Energy: The battery barge can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, further enhancing the environmental benefits of cold ironing.

Cold ironing battery barges offer a flexible and sustainable solution for providing shore power to ships in various port locations. They are particularly useful in areas where establishing fixed cold ironing infrastructure may be challenging or economically unviable.