Marine vessel with hull-integrated electrical energy storage for vessel propulsion
AssigneeOckerman Automation Consulting, Inc.
InventorsRichard Thompson, Jennifer Michaeli, John Ockerman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses and methods for packaging and distributing a marine energy storage system. Battery packs including one or more battery cells and a compliant layer enclosed in a sealed housing are disclosed. Vessel hulls with battery packs structurally integrated are disclosed. Vessel hulls with battery packs mounted to an inner surface of an outer hull are disclosed. Vessel hulls including compartments for inserting battery packs are disclosed. Vessel hulls including battery packs mounted in a ballast of the hull are disclosed.
Claims63
A watercraft comprising:
- a hull;
- a propulsion system configured to propel the watercraft in electric mode, hybrid-electric mode, or selectively in either electric mode or hybrid-electric mode;
- and
- an energy storage system for providing electrical energy to the propulsion system, the energy storage system comprising a plurality of battery packs integrated into the hull, wherein each battery pack of the plurality comprises one or more battery cells, a sealed housing enclosing the one or more battery cells, and at least one compliant layer between the housing and the one or more battery cells, wherein the compliant layer is configured to reduce transmission of vibrations from the hull to the one or more battery cells.
A battery pack for marine propulsion system, comprising:
- a battery cell having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;
- a first compliant layer adjacent to the first surface;
- and
- a sealed housing surrounding the battery cell, the first compliant layer, wherein the sealed housing includes:
- a positive lug flange electrically coupled to a positive terminal of the battery cell;
- a negative lug flange electrically coupled to a negative terminal of the battery cell.
A method of forming a battery pack, the method comprising:
- providing a battery cell;
- stacking a compliant layer on the battery cell to form a stack;
- wrapping the stack in a fiber mat;
- placing the stack wrapped in the fiber mat into a mold;
- applying a vacuum to the mold;
- while applying the vacuum, providing a resin to the mold;
- and
- removing the battery pack from the mold after the resin has cured.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.