Hybrid Car Carrier using Solar Cells and Lithium-ion Rechargeable Batteries

SANYO has started to undertake full-fledged expansion of its energy solution business to bring about a dramatic reduction of CO2 emissions and running cost to various facilities, such as factories, schools, and stores, through offering the Smart Energy Systems (SES) which combine technologies for Energy Creation (photovoltaic system), Energy Storage (rechargeable battery), and Energy Saving (commercial equipment, etc.).

As part of this initiative, SANYO is promoting a system, incorporating a photovoltaic system and lithium-ion battery system, to help marine vessels reduce CO2 emissions (Ship SES).

In 2005 and 2008, SANYO Electric supplied Mitsui O.S.K. Lines with photovoltaic systems as verification test units for marine vessels. In the upcoming project, we aim to establish a technology to reduce CO2 emissions from marine vessels with the use of a system combining SANYO’s solar panels (Max. 200kW is planned) with its lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (Max. 3,000kW/h is planned).

The system is hybrid with the diesel generators commonly used for marine vessels, and supplies electric power to the marine vessels. The electric power generated in the solar panels and stored in the rechargeable batteries can be mainly used in harbor. Since the operation of diesel generators may be stopped while the vessels are in harbor, this system can contribute to the realization of zero CO2 emission. A "hybrid car carrier" equipped with this system is scheduled for completion in 2012.

This is a verification test project. In the future, SANYO which is aiming to become a leading company for energy and environment will continue to develop and offer a variety of energy solutions to realize energy creation (Generate), energy storage (Recharge), and energy utilization (Utilize).

http://sanyo.com/