Nautical batteries: lithium technology for hybrid electric boats

The reduction of fuel consumption, a significant decrease of emissions into the atmosphere and the quietest running during operation have always been important issues in the field of mobility, especially in the Venice Lagoon.

To improve the transport system in the Lagoon, while meeting the specific needs of this city, San Marco Beverage Network Venezia, which plays an important role in specialised distribution for the Ho.Re.Ca. and Super Ho.Re.Ca. sectors on the Venice market, commissioned the construction of a hybrid electric boat: “La Gagiandra”.

It was named in honour of a sturdy medieval Venetian ship that recalled the shape of a turtle, “La Gagiandra” is 13 metres long and is propelled by two 38 kW electric motors. They are powered by a 282 V and 112.6 kWh lithium battery, which is supported by an emergency diesel generator.

But due to battery management and range problems, the project which initially included a traditional BMS was never actually put into practice.

Until Flash Battery got involved.

In fact, in 2011, this Reggio Emilia company which makes zero-maintenance lithium accumulators designed a special nautical lithium battery that could improve the performance of the initially designed electric boat. In particular, Flash Battery’s help involved applying its Flash Balancing System to the electrical system of this hybrid boat. This innovative applied technology offers a high combined balancing power and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions (-30,000 kg of CO2 a year).

It was therefore by using the Flash Battery system that “La Gagiandra” was finally able to become operational. It is therefore also thanks to Flash Battery that this innovative hybrid boat helped lower the environmental impact of the transport of one of the most beautiful cities in the world and perhaps, at the same time, the one which most needs to encourage green solutions.

Flash Battery is proud to have helped out with this project and to have worked together with San Marco BNV, another Italian company which cares about the environment and offers innovations for more sustainable mobility, even in the Lagoon.