CPC B60L 53/80 (2019.02) [B60L 53/66 (2019.02); B63H 21/17 (2013.01); H02J 7/0013 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A method of providing energy storage units to an energy storage system on a vessel adapted to use stored energy, the method comprising:
receiving notification at a charging station onshore, of a user energy storage requirement;
dispatching an autonomous vehicle from the charging station with one or more replacement energy storage units for the energy storage system;
removing one or more used energy storage units on the autonomous vehicle from an operational location of the energy storage system;
inserting the replacement energy storage unit at the same operational location of the energy storage system; and
returning the used energy storage unit to the charging station;
wherein the method is performed at a port that comprises;
a quayside where the vessel is docked, and
the charging station that is positioned within the port and outside of the quayside such that the dispatching step comprises dispatching the autonomous vehicle from the charging station within the port and outside the quayside to the vessel at the quayside;
and wherein the port further comprises;
a ramp from the quayside to the vessel to enable passengers, vehicles and cargo to go on and off the vessel;
wherein the dispatching step further comprises dispatching the autonomous vehicle from the quayside over the ramp and onto the vessel to the operational location of the energy storage system on the vessel.
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