Hybrid/electric driveline technology is now becoming a viable option for the leisure marine market.
With hybrid/electric technology a hot topic within the industry right now the leisure market is looking for cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions as an alternative to diesel power. Propulsion and Driveline experts, Marine and Industrial Transmissions have just the solution – the Transfluid HM560 Hybrid and Electric driveline system, which is suitable for a range of marine applications, including pleasure craft.
Initially developed for commercial applications such as: workboats, windfarm crew transfer boats, pilot vessels, patrol vessels, the HM560 driveline is also suitable for a range of pleasure craft operations, where within Europe, the technology has already been heavily adopted.
Examples of the adoption of this technology can be found aboard the 12m German Bavaria Sedan E40, where the HM560 module has been fitted to a Volvo 110kW diesel engine, along with the 20.5m Swiss ‘Solarwave’ – a first of its kind solar hybrid yacht fitted with two HM560 units to two 153kW (208hp) @3600rpm Nanni diesel engines. The Solarwave offers a new silent experience to passengers, whilst reducing the operational hours of the diesel engines, requiring less maintenance and delivering lower operational costs compared to conventional fuel propulsion.
The HM560 module is engineering simplicity at its best. Designed to be fitted on any internal combustion engine with a suitable SAE flywheel and housing, and to any type of SAE standard transmission. The “electric machine” has a double function, working as an electric motor in the electric mode and as an electric generator in battery charging mode. The HM560 model can also be turned 360 degrees to achieve the best position on-board the vessel.
The system allows the user to work in three specific modes. Electric propulsion, to drive or sail at zero emissions in absolute silence. Engine Propulsion, using the electric machine as a generator to recharge batteries, and booster, which allows the electric motor during acceleration to assist the engine – providing extra torque to the driveline.
The engine power approved for the HM series can go up to 1200 kW (1600 hp) while the electric motor power can reach 300 kW (400 hp). To install the HM system, all that is needed is an additional few hundred millimeters between the diesel engine and the transmission, allowing the unit to be fitted on new vessels or installed as a retrofit.
The flexibility of the system allows users to install on any head of an electric motor not in use, and supply hydraulic or electric appliances for on-board facilities. The HM systems have a series of SAE standard power take-offs to install pumps or any other accessories normally used on vessels.
The HM system can be easily fitted to any transmission system such as: mechanical or power shift variable speed drives, hydrostatic transmissions, marine gear boxes and cardan shaft.
For 2017, MIT continue to focus on introducing this Technology to the UK market, and are certain that the first hybrid vessel will be in seen within the UK in the not too distant future.
John Logue, Managing Director MIT said, ‘We continue to see an increase in boat owners/operators desire to reduce emissions and vessel running costs driven by tighter regulation and the fact that it is the right thing to do. With Transfluid we have a strong partner who has developed a cost effective and comprehensive electric/hybrid driveline system that is now successfully running in over 30 vessels across Europe and Asia. In order to truly understand the benefits of the system you have to experience a boat being driven by one; the switch from diesel to electric is astounding, not only does the noise reduce considerably but there is also a substantial reduction in vibration. This leads to a more pleasure ride and experience on the water. We firmly believe that electric/hybrid drivelines will play a very important role in the future of pleasure boating in the UK for the years to come.’
All Tranflsuid hybrid driveline models, including the HM560 series are available in the UK via MIT.
About Marine and Industrial Transmissions:
Since 1974, MIT has been designing, supplying and servicing transmissions and driveline systems across the UK, becoming a centre of excellence in driveline systems providing customers with full product life cycle support from system design, supply, commissioning, maintenance, repair, spares, and overhaul or replacement.
MIT have bases in southern and northern England, providing comprehensive UK and Ireland coverage along with an established global mobile support service, delivered by a highly trained and dedicated technical engineering team and a significant inventory of world class brands, including new and refurbished transmissions, driveline systems and spare parts.
MIT are the sole UK distributors of Twin Disc, Transfluid, Rubber Design, Arneson, Rolla and Quincy compressors.
About Transfluid:
Since 1957 Transfluid have been leaders in developing Fluid couplings, Variable speed drives, Brakes, Clutches, Hydrodynamic Transmissions, Mechanical Couplings and Electric Machines into the Marine and Industrial Sectors.
The use of modern technology together with the careful choice of materials, accurate assembly and the meticulous testing of each unit produced has contributed to helping Transfluid develop extremely competitive and innovative products. Their talent, dynamic approach and flair ensure they remain focused on introducing products that continually satisfy a fast changing market’s needs. Thousands of customers have chosen Transfluid’s products for its wide range of applications.
Media Enquires:
Louise Woolley
Marketing Manager
MIT Group
e: l.woolley@mitgroup.co.uk
t: +44 (0) 2380 455 447
