HYBRID PROPULSION
SCHOTTEL: NEW MECHANICAL HYBRID SOLUTION FOR THRUSTERS Schottel, the German-based propulsion specialist has developed a mechanical hybrid solution for thrusters, improving engine loading and optimising utilisation during light operation
For short operation times when full propulsion power is needed, the connection between the two thrusters is disengaged and each main engine is engaged to each thruster. In fire-fighting mode, the main engine is used to drive the pump through its front power take-off The SYDRIVE-M solution allows the mechanical connection to be changed when full power is required. For short operation times when full propulsion power is needed, the connection between the two thrusters is disengaged and each main
Credit: Schottel
Schottel has submitted a patent application to cover its new mechanical hybrid solution. The solution, which draws on Schottel's Y-Hybrid thruster technology, mechanically connects two azimuth thrusters with one of the main engines on workboats and tugs during periods of light operation. Conventional hybrid propulsion systems are normally configured with two independent power sources per propeller, typically a main engine and a smaller electric engine, to manage the periods of time spent with low engine loads.
engine is engaged to each thruster. In fire-fighting mode, the main engine is used to drive the pump through its front power take-off. Allowing one of the main engines to be idled during light operation, which accounts for 90% of workboat activity, reduces operational hours for each of the main engines. In addition, each main engine benefits from better loading during light operation compared with current operation. Schottel's solution eliminates the need for additional electronic components or an additional gear box.
8 Schottel SYDRIVE-M in light operation mode
Rolls-Royce and UK-based yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International will present the first yacht fitted with an MTU series production hybrid propulsion system in 2020. The new Sunseeker yacht will have an integrated MTU hybrid propulsion system. The system comprises two 12-cylinder MTU Series 2000 diesel engines, on-board generators, electric propulsion modules, transmission system, batteries, control and monitoring systems. The yacht will allow users to choose between six different operating modes, enable all power sources to be used as required. Sunseeker and MTU will present the new hybrid propulsion system at Boot Düsseldorf in January 2019. Knut Müller, Head of Marine and Government Business at MTU, said: “The combination of diesel engines and electric motors, in addition to batteries and their variable areas of application, offer yacht owners significant benefits.”
24 | FEBRUARY 2019
8 The system comprises two 12-cylinder MTU Series 2000 diesel engines (each delivering around 1,432 kW/1,947 hp)
Credit: MTU
MTU to provide hybrid propulsion for production yacht
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