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Ref: PRHP248 Date: 10th June 2022
Hybrid Marine partners with specialist on 100thbattery-poweredengine
Hybrid Marine is partnering with battery specialist Hoppecke to develop diesel-electric hybrid narrowboat engines that deliver significant improvements in energy efficiency whilst also reducing emissions. Recently, they collaborated on Hybrid Marine's 100th project with diesel engine manufacturer Beta Marine.
Isle of Wight-based Hybrid Marine has been designing and manufacturing hybrid propulsion systems for canal boats, commercial barges and sailing boats, including fast offshore catamarans, since 2002. It sells its award-winning technology to boatbuilders, supplying a complete solution for new custom-built boats.
Economy is a key advantage of a diesel-electric hybrid boat engine. When no mains connection is available, it is more cost-efficient to use the battery instead of running the engine. It provides sufficient energy to power all typical domestic appliances through a large inverter. Consequently, most craft can eliminate gas and implement an electric galley.
Meanwhile, the system's quiet operation is a major attraction. The ability to cruise almost silently ensures an enhanced sensory experience for people out on the water without disturbing local wildlife. One customer observed that ‘when the engine is running you are in a boat; when using electric drive, you are in the countryside'. The diesel-hybrid engine a less polluting solution and safe, since the capability for all-electric cooking eliminates the need for gas bottles onboard.
Graeme Hawksley, Managing Director at Hybrid Marine says: "With a hybrid drive the boat's propeller can be driven by the engine using fuel, such as diesel, or stored energy from the battery bank with the engine stopped. When the engine is running the extra load of the hybrid generator makes the engine operate with higher efficiency, providing better fuel economy and less emissions.
"Once the batteries are charged the hybrid switches to emission free electric drive. Partnering with Hoppecke and capitalising on its expertise means we can clearly demonstrate how energy efficiency is enhanced during low to mid-power cruising, when the hybrid is running on battery power."
Hoppecke has worked with Hybrid Marine on several narrowboat projects. The innovative propulsion system developed for the milestone installation with Beta Marine was subsequently fitted to a narrowboat designed and built by Braidbar Boats.
Adds Hoppecke's General Manager Stuart Browne: "We're all becoming increasingly conscious of our impact on the environment so it's no surprise that the boating community, including key industry stakeholders, is keen to reduce pollution across our waterways. Importantly, Hybrid Marine's innovative hybrid drive technology offers significant economic and environmental advantages without denigrating enjoyment of the boating experience."
Hoppecke has created a 48v lead acid battery pack, comprising 24 cells with a capacity of 775Ah. A key safety measure is the extra battery filling system, incorporating a central degassing capability, which separates off and vents gas during battery charging. Hoppecke builds a marine battery at its UK headquarters in Staffordshire and installs it at the boatyard. Hybrid Marine first connects the diesel engine to its hybrid propulsion system and then linking it to Hoppecke's battery before commissioning the complete engine.
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Caption: Hybrid Marine is partnering with battery specialist Hoppecke to develop energy-efficient diesel-electric hybrid engines that are quiet and eco-friendly.
Editor's notes
Hoppecke Industrial Batteries is the leading specialist for industrial battery systems and at the same time the largest battery manufacturer in European ownership. Hoppecke offers to its customers around the world concepts for efficient and reliable power supply for every industrial application. A leading exponent of environmental care for more than 90 years, Hoppecke offers solutions for a variety of industries including motive power, reserve power for IT/telecoms, power stations, solar energy and UPS, special power for rail and underground. Hoppecke's UK operation is based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in the Midlands and the parent company has customers and business partners in many countries around the world, including Europe, the USA and China.
Media contact:
Sue Tupling
Changeworks Communications
T: 01785 247588
Company contact:
Stuart Browne
Hoppecke Industrial Batteries Ltd
Unit 2 Lowfield Drive
Centre 500
Wolstanton
Newcastle-under-Lyme
ST5 0UU
T: 01782 667305
W: www.hoppecke.com/uk
E:Stuart.Browne@hoppecke.co.uk
