Development of Robust Marine Traction Voltage Battery Suspension System

Abstract

This thesis examines the design and evaluation of vibration isolators for marine traction voltage battery packs under extreme conditions of vibration and shock. With growing marine electrification, the use of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) poses new engineering challenges since maritime environment is defined by unpredictable and frequently harsh dynamic loads. Traditional dampers used in automotive or fixed industrial applications are not suitable for marine conditions, which require safety, reliability, and system longevity. This thesis explores whether Wire Rope Isolators (WRIs), which are utilized in rugged defense and industrial applications, can match or even exceed the marine battery systems damping needs. Several suspension configurations were assessed to determine their effectiveness in mitigating dynamic amplification and peak acceleration at the battery’s center of gravity based on comparative simulation analysis. During the conceptual redesign of the WRIs, the ones configured in 45° compression, in particular, were noted for their promising low-frequency isolation. Importantly, the best WRI design exceeded performance expectations on key metrics, including transmissibility and frequency response, aligned with manufacturability expectations, and even surpassed the benchmark hydromount system in several critical areas. The predictive WRI models developed in this research demonstrate that tuned WRIs can cater to marine vibration profiles. This study serves as the primary reference for building robust, modular, and high-performance isolation systems for modern marine propulsion platforms ESS in line with the Volvo Penta sustainable electrification initiative.