EST-Floattech has expanded its Octopus Series with the introduction of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery modules. With this addition, the company addresses market demand for maritime battery systems based on another chemical configuration.
EST-Floattech is a Dutch energy storage systems provider for maritime and industrial applications. The new Octopus LFP energy storage system (ESS) is engineered for reliable and robust large-scale battery systems, and works together seamlessly with the Octopus Series Battery Management System.
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New chemistry for broad applications
The newly introduced LFP is based on significant advancements made in recent years, especially in terms of the energy density and cost per kWh. The Octopus LFP modules are engineered with the latest innovations in lithium iron phosphate chemistry, offering superior thermal stability, longer lifecycle performance, and enhanced safety.
With the expected long cycle lifetimes, the LFP modules are ideally suited for vessels discharging by day and charging overnight. Each module delivers a nominal voltage of 52 V, a capacity of 233 Ah, and is designed for scalable integration into larger battery systems of multiple MWhs. The modular rack design is flexible in both height and width and includes integrated ventilation to ensure optimal thermal performance of the battery system. The decision for air cooling is an advantage compared to liquid cooling. There are no risks for leakage, less maintenance is needed and it limits the weight.
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Battery Management System
The LFP modules are part of the Octopus Series and its agnostic platform. Therefore, the battery system will be fully integrated with the Octopus Series Battery Management System (BMS), a platform developed in-house by EST-Floattech’s engineering team in the Netherlands. The BMS ensures seamless communication, precise thermal and power management, and real-time diagnostics, enabling optimised performance, operational safety, and compliance with stringent maritime classification and cyber security standards.
‘By introducing LFP to our Octopus Series, we empower shipbuilders and operators with even more choice,’ says Mark Witjens, CEO of EST-Floattech. ‘We understand that different vessels have different energy profiles. LFP gives us the ability to serve applications with a high energy capacity demand and long discharge and charge cycles with a robust, safe, and cost-effective solution without compromising on our commitment to reliability and quality. The development of LFP is the logical step for EST-Floattech to cater the growing demand for different chemistries by shipyards and shipowners.’
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Roadmap for classification
The Octopus Series is known for its flexibility, reliability, and has type approvals from four major maritime class approvals. EST-Floattech has outlined a roadmap to have the LFP module certified by various class societies in the beginning of next year.
‘Our engineers have qualified the new LFP modules to meet the same high standards we apply across the Octopus Series,’ states Diederick Stam, Technical Director at EST-Floattech. ‘This addition enhances our ability to support even more vessel designs and hybrid propulsion systems, enabling cleaner and smarter shipping.’
