Narrowboat Hybrid Systems
Our parallel hybrid systems provide the best feature/cost performance of all the competing hybrid configurations (see discussion Which Hybrid is Best?). An integrated Hybrid system has been designed to provide a complete power and propulsion solution.
The hybrid system does not disturb the normal shaft / propeller connection to the diesel, instead as the name implies it connects to the shaft in parallel with the standard diesel engine. Hybrid systems have the most to offer in efficiency improvements during low to mid power cruising and our system makes best use of this basic principle. The standard diesel engine is sized to provide the maximum power requirement for the vessel, while the electric drive is designed to match the boats mid range power needs. This allows the electric drive components to be smaller and provides a very cost effective hybrid solution. See this series of articles for a full description of system capabilities and performance.
Hybrid Marine has been suppling Narrowboat packages since 2007 and we have many satisfied customers using the original systems and batteries many years later. Take a look at our Case Studies for further information.
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System overview
It takes approximately 3 to 5kW to move an average 20T narrow beam boat at moderate canal speeds (2 to 4 MPH). The 10kW electric motor provides this with plenty to spare for normal manoeuvring. If you are operating in adverse conditions, say on a fast flowing stretch of a river, then you will need the full power of the main engine.
Typically the engine is running at just over tick over speeds (1,200 to 1,400 RPM) in restricted waters. The canal boat hybrid is designed specifically to provide 7-8 kW of power generation when cruising at this low engine speed.
In normal calm canal conditions you can drive on the electric motor for prolonged periods. How long you can go on electric drive depends on the size of your batteries. A 48V / 400Ah battery bank would last around 3 to 5 hours, a larger bank of around 48V/800Ah would last 6-10 hours. Keep in mind this is continuous operation. If you are transiting a flight of locks then you are only using electrical energy when moving. This eliminates idling the engine in locks and provides considerable savings in fuel.
When the batteries run down, you start the engine and drive in the normal way. At this time the hybrid automatically becomes a generator to recharge the batteries. At typical propulsion speeds the batteries are quickly recharged via the powerful hybrid generator and boost alternator bank. Every hour of engine drive can store enough energy in the batteries to travel between 1 and 2 hours in electric drive.
After the batteries are recharged you can go back to electric drive or save the energy stored for powering your electrical circuits in the evening.
System Features and functions
- Whisper quiet electric operation yet the vessels standard diesel engine remains available to meet high end power requirements.
- Listen to the leaves rustling in the trees and observe the wildlife as never before.
- No more idling in locks, you can breathe fresh air and actually hear your crew from the bottom of the lock
- Charge with the hybrid when on the move.
- In the evening power your entire boa,t in complete silence, with the large inverter and high capacity battery bank.
- No more engine charging in the morning/evening to top up substandard 12V batteries.
- Cook electric in complete silence and eliminate gas onboard.
- Significant reduction in fuel consumption and engine hours.
- Build your hybrid canal boat for very little extra.
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Hybrid package components |
A |
Marine diesel engine, Beta 43, to 56 or Shire 40 to 50 |
B |
Liquid cooled, brushless, motor generator, 10kW electric drive and 5-6kW generation |
C |
Standard marine gear box, PRM150 |
D |
Boost alternator bank, provides an extra 3kW of charging for the 48V battery. Boosts charge rate up to 8kW |
E |
Standard 4" coupling to propeller shaft |
F |
Smart Morse control. Normal Morse cable connection to engine (not supplied), sensor for control of hybrid in electric drive. |
G |
Hybrid control box, Motor speed/direction control, multi phase battery charging when engine is running |
H |
Hybrid colour display |
I |
Charger/Inverter. 3kVA for complete hybrid system, 5kVA for enhanced system (electric cooking) |
J |
8V Battery bank, supplies both propulsion and house loads. 400Ah (complete system) or 800Ah (enhanced hybrid) |
K |
Cross charger for buffer battery supplying on board 12V appliance |
Not supplied with package |
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L |
Renewable charging sources , Wind, Solar etc |
M |
Standard 230V domestic appliances driven by the high power inverter |
Download a brochure Beta packages or Shire packages