W.S.G. Isaac Newton

Modelling and Lifetime Prediction of Maritime Zero-Emission Drive-Trains: A Case Study on PEM Fuel Cells and Lithium-Titanite Oxide Batteries

Damen Shipyards Group is a big player in the global shipbuilding industry, having built a vast portfolio of different vessels. From navy frigates to tugboats and luxury yachts, Damen has a solution for every big customer, hence their slogan: ’Oceans of Possibilities’. The internship was performed at the global headquarters in Gorinchem, at the Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) department. Together with about 70 colleagues, this department is at the forefront of catering for a sustainable maritime future.

The internship focused on outlining the causes of degradation in maritime battery and fuel cell systems. Consequently, a Simulink modelling framework that applies the gained insights into a lifetime prediction based on operational inputs was developed. For the internship, the Waterbus 2907 was used as a test case. This high-speed passenger ferry serves several public transport routes in the Netherlands and Belgium. It was great to apply the models to an actual operating vessel, which was also visited at the wharf, to get a more tangible experience.

The internship period at Damen passed in no time due to the pleasant work environment where you are treated as a real colleague. Everything in the company is arranged properly, and the options for learning are almost limitless. In addition, the vast amount of different engineering positions Damen offers great insight into the possibilities for a future job.