Volvo Penta has been working on electric propulsion and hybrid diesel-electric systems for a decades. The diesel-electric system coupkled to IPS drives is now available for commercial and recreational use and provides an elegant and proven technology that will allow boats to run silent and carbon free.
The electric motor in the system fits between the main engine and the IPS pod and is engaged with a clutch. The motors run off a bank of lithium-ion batteries that can be sized for each boat’s specific tasks and requirements.
“A hybrid provides a flexible solution, one that maintains the high efficiency offered by the IPS system and adds the ability to run in zero emission environments,” says Niklas Thulin, Volvo Penta’s Director of Electromobility.
“With full torque from the electric motor available instantly, the boat will maintain the responsiveness and controllability that IPS is famous for in electric-only mode, as well as offering the ability to run at 10 to 12 knots.”
As well as running on electric power alone, which naturally has a limited range, the hybrid system can be run in dual mode with one of the twin engines operating in diesel mode while the other is in electric mode. The diesel engines’ alternator can charge the battery banks while running, which means the electric side can run almost forever. This is not really a perpetual-motion machine, but it does truly enhance fuel efficiency.
