Lower operating costs, environmental benefits, more power, less noise – hybrid drives are the concept for the future because they connect two worlds: clean travel powered by electric motors and long-distance travel powered by combustion engine technology. mtu has hybrid systems ready for production for ships and trains.
Electric vehicles do not offer range – or if they did, they would need giant batteries that are both heavy and expensive. The problem can be solved by combining electric technology with combustion engines that can easily master long distances. The mtu solution takes the form of a hybrid drive that always involves a battery. Hybrid drives offer a range of benefits. Train operators can utilize the energy released during braking by storing it and using it to power electric drive systems. The result cuts fuel consumption and is kinder to the environment. Even in marine applications, the combination of diesel engine, electric motor and battery offers wide-ranging benefits. For example, tugs fitted with electric motors are able to achieve high levels of maneuverability whilst high performance and the obvious advantages of quiet and low-vibration running are major factors for yacht operators.
Hybrid systems for vessels in operation from 2020
mtu currently offers series-mature hybrid systems for trains and ships. Depending on the specific application, the marine system involves an
mtu Series 2000 or 4000 engine, an intermediate gearbox with up to four electric motors, an optional mechanical gearbox, and one or more batteries. “Depending on the application and with our experience of systems integration, we can create an individual hybrid system for each customer,” said Daniel Staniszewski, Project Leader for Hybrid Yacht Technology at
mtu. “Customers who need a lot of electric power can structure a system with several electric motors. And anyone who wants to cover long distances using only electricity can include multiple batteries. “The automation is pre-configured and interfaces are standardized so our hybrid system easily lends itself to modular construction,” said Staniszewski. British luxury yacht builder Sunseeker has already announced plans to have its first yacht powered by an
mtu hybrid system afloat by fall 2020.
