Hybrid Systems for Workboats, Pilot Boats, Patrol and Passenger Vessels
The marine industry now recognises the potential of utilising hybrid power and innovative propulsion systems on vessels under 24 metres. Certain maritime sectors are potentially well suited to hybrid systems. These include ferries, workboats and pilot boats that have relatively consistent duty cycles. When studying work cycles of vessels it is relatively straightforward to make a decision for new builds on whether to go for all electric or a diesel / electric hybrid system. There is an opportunity to consider ‘hybrid refits’ of vessels as their roles change or as ports and government departments demand lower emission vessels to comply with international regulations and COP21 emissions agreements.
For military applications hybrid systems, including diesel / battery / electric, will give patrol vessels the ability to turn off main engines then loiter silently on station at sea with a low heat signature. Patrol vessels will still use their main engines to move rapidly from point to point, once in position a vessel can patrol slowly on battery / electric power. This will be particularly relevant to vessels undertaking port or estuary patrols at low speeds. Not all vessels are suitable for hybridization. It is import to use a consistent process that identifies which sectors may be first adopters and which duty cycles is hybrid most relevant for.
Mel Lewis - Mainstay Marine Solutions
Mel trained as an electronics apprentice at the Royal Aircraft Establishment prior to attaining a BEng degree in Electronics with Computing Science. He spent 23 years at MoD Boscombe Down in the test and evaluation of Military Aircraft, both for the MoD and subsequently QinetiQ, where he performed several key roles including Business Group Technical Manager and Head of Capability for Electrical and Avionics Systems. In 2012, Mel transferred his aircraft-related knowledge and experience into the boat building industry whilst broadening his engineering knowledge of marine vessels and their systems. Mel is Technical Director at Mainstay Marine Solutions and is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Download NEXT GEN Workshops October 2016 Presentation (password required)
NEXT GEN Workshops PRESENTATION: Mel Lewis
Hybrid Systems for Workboats, Pilot Boats, Patrol and Passenger Vessels