Volvo Penta reveals ‘upgradable’ hybrid drive system
A new, fuel cell-capable hybrid electric drive system is being developed for commercial vesselsVolvo Penta has given boaters the first hint of its hybrid pod drive system that could one day provide recreational vessels with emissions-free running using fuel cell technology.
The system, which will include an electric Inboard Performance Systems unit, cutting-edge gensets and an advanced vessel management system, will be developed for shipping fleet operator MHO&Co.
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Volvo Penta will work with Danish large transport electrification specialists Danfoss Editron to develop two 35-metre hybrid crew transfer vessels for wind farm operator Orsted.
“Combining the best-in-class propulsion – Volvo Penta IPS – and Danfoss Editron’s expertise in marine electrification systems and in-house designed electric propulsion motors and generators, the companies are working on creating an advanced hybrid solution that has maximum uptime, efficiency, and maneuverability,” Volvo Penta said.
Australian shipwright Incat Crowther was involved in the design of the new hybrid vessels, which will each be capable of carrying 24 crew in a space that includes eight cabins and a large lounge area.
Offshore operation
The hybrid vessels will operate at Orsted’s newest planned North Sea wind farm, which will be located somewhere between 56-65nm off the coast of Yorkshire, UK.
According to Volvo Penta, each of the vessels will be fitted with four IPS drive units.
“The system consists of Volvo Penta IPS quad set-up where two of the four legs are powered by Volvo Penta D13 diesel propulsion engines and two legs are powered by Danfoss Editron’s electric machines, which are in turn powered by five Volvo Penta D8 variable-speed gensets,” it said.
“Additionally, a battery pack will be installed to support peak-shaving and to allow the vessels to operate in fully electric mode at low speed, and during long stationary periods.”
Volvo Penta said both CTVs would have the choice of either fully electric or hybrid mode.
“When cruising to windfarms all four Volvo Penta IPS can be powered, two mechanically and two electrically.
“In harbour or at the wind farm there is the option to run the vessels with either battery to the electrical Volvo Penta IPS legs or any combination of 1-5 gensets, depending on weather conditions.
“It is estimated that this choice of operation is set to save about 127 metric tons of CO2 compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels.”
Future upgrades
Volvo Penta said the use of multiple variable-speed gensets would also make it easier for any future engine upgrade to replace a genset with a fuel cell “when technology allows”.
Orsted is also working with shipping group Maersk to build and test a prototype buoy that doubles as a charging station that it plans to launch in 2021, the same time that the hybrid vessels will start work.
The electricity used to supply the recharging buoy will come directly from the electricity generated by the offshore wind farm.
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