Sharing of Technical Solutions for Ship Charging and Battery Swapping at Terminals

Release date:

2025-03-05

As global attention to environmental protection and sustainable development continues to grow, green energy technologies are being increasingly adopted across a wide range of sectors. As a critical link in the energy supply chain, the operational efficiency and environmental performance of coal terminals at power plants directly influence the sustainability of the entire energy system. In recent years, ship‑to‑shore charging and battery‑swap technologies, as emerging green‑energy solutions, have been gradually implemented and promoted at coal terminals. This paper presents a technical solution for ship‑to‑shore charging and battery‑swap at power‑plant coal terminals, examining its advantages, potential application scenarios, and future development trends.

I. Ship Charging and Battery-Swapping Technology Scheme

Technical Principle

Maritime charging and battery‑swapping technologies primarily encompass two modes: charging and battery swapping. The charging mode involves using shore‑based charging stations to replenish a vessel’s batteries, similar to the way electric vehicles are charged. The battery‑swapping mode, on the other hand, enables rapid energy replenishment by replacing the vessel’s battery pack.

Charging mode

Charging station installation : High-power charging stations are installed at the terminal, supporting both fast and slow charging modes.
Charging Management : Through an intelligent management system, charging status is monitored in real time, charging efficiency is optimized, and charging safety is ensured.
Charging port : Adopts a standardized charging interface, ensuring compatibility with electric vessels of various models.

Battery-swapping model

Battery swapping station : Establish battery-swapping stations at terminals, equipped with automated systems to enable rapid battery‑pack replacement.
Battery Management : Establish a battery management system to centrally manage the battery pack, ensuring both performance and safety.
Battery standardization : Promote battery standardization to enhance battery versatility and interchangeability.

Flowchart

II. Case Analysis

The project proposes to launch a demonstration initiative for the ship‑charging and battery‑swapping industry at a designated port. The power plant will feature a charging terminal equipped with charging stations to supply power to the demonstration vessels. A total of 4–6 containerized energy storage batteries will be deployed and leased to the demonstration ships. These vessels can serve both as battery‑swap demonstrators and as cargo carriers. The containerized batteries will provide propulsion, and an automated battery‑swap system will ensure extended operational range. Each containerized battery has a capacity of 1,935 kWh.

Within the power plant, the medium-voltage switchgear room has a total transformer capacity of 5,309 kVA, with 5,161 kVA already in use, leaving 148 kVA available. A medium-voltage standby output switchgear cabinet is provided, equipped with 630-A circuit breakers. The switchgear room also includes a dedicated standby output distribution cabinet. Should the terminal install ship‑side shore‑power charging equipment, the transformers in the switchgear room will need to be upgraded to increase the overall capacity, thereby expanding the facility’s total capacity to accommodate the required 1,000 kVA to 2,000 kVA for the charging system.

Construct a new 1000 kVA containerized ship shore power system, with two output groups, each of which… 500 kVA, for charging shipborne container‑type power batteries. This system is equipped with two sets of cable lifting devices. Each cable lifting unit is equipped with two sets of 500A quick-connect couplings for connecting shore power and the vessel’s battery system. The access point is powered by the terminal’s electrical supply system, with a voltage of 6 kV/50 Hz. The output power supply consists of two DC 800 V channels, 500A

Ship Shore Power System Diagram

Marine Charging System

This shore power system comprises three shore‑power units, capable of simultaneously charging up to three vessels. The charging stations are easy to operate, allowing berthed ships to complete the charging process independently. Each unit displays real-time information such as electricity rates, current, and power output. Billing is structured as a combination of electricity charges and a per‑kilowatt‑hour service fee; the electricity rate follows the large‑industrial tariff schedule. As a result, operating costs for vessels are significantly reduced.

Shipboard Shore-Based Energy Storage System

Energy storage systems typically comprise a battery pack, a battery management system (BMS), a bidirectional power conversion system (PCS), an energy management system (EMS), a switchgear cabinet, a security system, a temperature control system, and a distribution system. During discharge, the battery uses the energy storage converter to transform DC electrical energy into AC electrical energy at the same frequency and phase as the grid voltage, which is then injected into the corresponding load system after isolation by a transformer. During charging, the grid supplies AC power, which is converted to DC by the energy storage converter and stored in the battery.

Maritime Mobile Battery Swapping

Standard configuration for mobile battery swapping:

The storage rack occupies an area of 1,275 m² (75 m × 17 m).

1. Three-dimensional battery storage racks, with each set comprising 10 rows and 5 levels for a total of 50 TEU; four sets of racks amount to 200 TEU in all.

2. One spreader crane;

3. Linear charging robotic arm;

4. A charging and battery-swapping communication control console

5. Three 20-foot container trailers.

Peripheral devices: Dual-circuit power supply, with charging facilities.

List of Shore Power Equipment for Ships

As an emerging green energy solution, ship‑to‑shore charging and battery‑swapping technology at coal terminals of power plants offers significant environmental and economic benefits. Despite certain technical and cost‑related challenges, advances in technology and supportive policies bode well for its widespread adoption. Looking ahead, this technology is poised to play an increasingly vital role in coal terminals, inland waterway shipping, port logistics, and other sectors, driving the green transformation and sustainable development of the maritime industry.