Grant Agreement No. P-RRI-NOO/00007 within the Public Call »SPODBUDE ZA RAZISKOVALNO RAZVOJNE PROJEKTE NOO«

Project »DEVELOPMENT OF ADAPTIVEELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEMS FOR VESSELS«
Co-funded amount: »200,284.42 EUR«
Consortium Partners: PODKRIŽNIK D.O.O., LXNAV D.O.O., AND REC D.O.O.

 

The outcome of the RRI project will be a product, namely an advanced electric propulsion system for vessels, which, similar to electrification in the automotive industry, will enable a high degree of adaptability for the end-user. The product is designed in accordance with the principles of the circular economy, reflected in its extended lifespan, upgrade and modernization possibilities, and low carbon footprint, which only occurs during the manufacturing phase. It involves a complex integrated assembly consisting of an electric motor, controller, batteries, BMS (Battery Management System) for the propulsion shaft, gear pairs with fixed gear ratios, propeller, anti-cavitation plate, cooling system with pump, electrical conductors, sensors, various electrical modules, and display. All three partner companies bring extensive experience in the development of integrated, systemic solutions in electromobility and the implementation of innovative technologies into their end products. Throughout the project, all partners invest in research and development, possess rich experience with past development projects, while simultaneously respecting and expanding their supply chains, thereby enhancing responsiveness.

The project contributes to major strategic or developmental objectives in Slovenia and beyond. Within the SRS 2030 framework, the contribution lies in economic stability and a low-carbon circular economy, as it involves a modern innovative product that will facilitate further growth for all partner companies while simultaneously implementing circular economy principles in practice. Within the SIS 2030 framework, the contribution manifests in increased labor productivity and creative and intelligent development, as the project develops both technological and developmental knowledge in the field of waterborne mobility electrification. An example of such development could be the increase in the energy value of battery cells, resulting practically in battery mass reduction. Within the Green Deal framework, it contributes to netzero emissions and decoupled economic growth from resources, as the developed electric system will not emit emissions during operation, and environmentally, the system will enable repairs, upgrades, component replacement, and finally recycling, in line with circular economy approaches. Within the NEPN framework, the contribution lies in reducing of foot print, improving energy efficiency, using renewable sources, and investing in R&D. It is a project whose initial motivation stemmed from preserving a clean environment and enabling carbon-free waterborne transportation.

 

Battery status display on the user interface.

Diagram of components inside the battery pack.

 

3D model of the battery pack.

 

Display of voltages in the shaft and gears.

 

 

 

PARTNERS

The added value of the R&D project lies in combining individual competencies of companies in a consortium with the aim of developing globally competitive electric propulsion systems with high added value for vessels.

PODKRIŽNIK

demonstrates its expertise, quality, and competence with its own solutions in various e-mobility areas (bicycles, vessels), as well as with gearbox competencies. It is a company with a long-standing reputation as a manufacturer of drive technology in various industrial sectors such as household appliances, hand tools, medical technology, robotics, automation, etc. Podkrižnik has extensive experience in the development and production of drive systems, mastering various production technologies and product industrialization. It also has a modern laboratory equipped for testing its products (e.g., gearboxes, drive units, and gears).

 

LXNAV

is responsible for wireless connectivity, advanced navigation, and remote monitoring system development in this project, mastering both hardware and software. Lxnav originates from the field of aeronautics, where they have over a decade of experience with navigation products, variometers, collision avoidance indicators, etc. Recently, they expanded their portfolio and expertise to the maritime sector, offering navigation products and capturing basic
navigational and system data.

 

REC

complements the project consortium with its knowledge of BMS (Battery Management Systems), ensuring proper control and optimal operation of individual cells within batteries. These batteries are then used in our electric propulsion systems as energy storage. REC is a young company focused on research and development of electric solutions and environmentally friendly applications for hybrid and electric vehicles. Their main expertise lies in
battery system management (hardware and software) in various applications such as aircraft, ships, hybrid and electric cars, test systems, engines, etc.

 

Real-time data display on the vessel.

 

Assembly of a test system for field testing