Sjöfartsverket ordered the Sunica.plus system under a framework agreement for nickel batteries. It is based on Saft technology, offering proven reliable performance in extreme conditions, a long service life, and low maintenance, as well as a small size and reduced weight. Taken together, this translates into a lower lifecycle cost and ensures reliable operation at some of its 1,100 remote lighthouses, which are serviced annually by technicians.
Sjöfartsverket decided to modernize Trubaduren's navigational lighting systems after a submarine power cable was severed. They opted to install power supplies based on photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and batteries for greater availability and lower cost than laying a new submarine cable.
Anton Dahl, a navigation engineer with the Swedish Maritime Authority (Sjöfartsverket), said: “We have strict requirements for battery performance, reliability, and sustainability. Saft provides sustainable recycling of nickel batteries at the end of their lifespan through a network of more than 30 return points and its own recycling center in Oskarshamn, Sweden.”
The Trubaduren lighthouse has two navigation lighting systems, each with its own LED lantern, color filters, control equipment, and power supply. The batteries are designed to store 760 amp-hours (Ah) of energy. This is enough for up to 60 days of autonomy, even during Sweden’s long winter nights.
The Sunica.plus nickel batteries, manufactured in Oskarshamn, Sweden, operate reliably at temperatures from -40°C to +55°C and are made from robust materials to withstand the corrosive marine environment.
