15 May 2009

Mastervolt Gears up for the Hybrid Revolution

The Dutch-based marine electrical specialist, Mastervolt, is responding to a huge surge of interest in diesel electric hybrid systems for boats, both in the leisure and commercial sectors. The Mastervolt product range, from whisper-quiet generators to high-capacity batteries, is already ideally suited to hybrid applications, but in the coming year the Company will be making it better still.

‘Pioneers in the boating industry who work on hybrid electric boats can find it difficult to create reliable green systems,’ commented John de Rijk, Technical Director, Mastervolt International BV. ‘They often have problems sourcing compatible products, or lack the necessary specialist knowledge. The electric propulsion side is complex, but achievable, as the engineers are already familiar with bow thrusters and electric winches. The true challenge starts when looking at the battery power required, and the many ways in which that power can be regenerated. This is where Mastervolt comes in.’

Hybrids use a powerful electric motor to provide clean and quiet electric propulsion. When powered by the boat’s own diesel engine, the motor becomes an electricity generator, removing the need for a separate genset. On yachts, it can also create charging power from the free-wheeling prop shaft when sailing, a function that particularly appeals to blue-water yachtsmen.

Some other hybrid systems use a stand-alone diesel generator to power a totally electric drive, a principle used on a grand scale in cruise ships, and which gives designers far greater flexibility with layouts. Power can also come from wind generators and solar cells.

Fundamental to a successful hybrid is a reliable energy system, with the ability to provide ample energy for extended periods of drive, but still be able to deep-cycle and quickly recharge without shortening battery life. Mastervolt is the only company to offer high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery technology to the marine market, and recently launched a remarkably lightweight and compact 4.3kW 24-volt battery.  Featuring a very long life and an impressive DOD (depth of discharge), a bank of these Li-ion batteries or the more conventional 2-volt cells, make a perfect platform for any hybrid installation. Certainly with the MasterBus system, reliable monitoring of the energy system, safe charging and automatic functions, will help to increase the pleasure of hybrid yachting.
By placing a strong focus on the complex needs of hybrid systems, Mastervolt will be using its extensive experience and product range to help boat designers and builders realise a whole new generation of green boats. Not only can the company offer a complete solution for the entire electrical installation aboard, it also takes full responsibility for each hybrid system in terms of the performance and reliability of the power management protocols.

It is a partnership that should ensure the safe and reliable application of highly efficient hybrid installations worldwide, helping to save fuel and make for a quieter and less polluted marine environment.

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