A new mechanical hybrid propulsion system suited to tugs and work boats has been developed by Germany’s propulsion specialist Schottel and Danish tug operator Svitzer.

The new concept is based on the recent Schottel Y-Hybrid thruster technology and connects a port and starboard mounted azimuth thruster in a vessel with each other. This makes it possible to drive two thrusters with either one of the main engines. The companies are now discussing a pilot project to retrofit an existing tug with the new mechanical hybrid technology.

This will transform the direct driven vessel into a greener and more cost-efficient vessel. Svitzer runs a fleet of 430 vessels and operations all over the world and has a high focus on innovations and options for fleet modernizstion. Thomas Bangslund, Group Head of Innovation at Svitzer, was closely involved in the development of the synchron-mechanic hybrid drive system. Svitzer is convinced of the operational and environmental benefits of the new SCHOTTEL SYDRIVE-M in both retrofits and newbuilding projects.

Common vessel operation profiles for tugs or workboats include up to 90% of operation time with low engine loads. To optimise propulsion systems for such load, conventional hybrid propulsion systems come with two independent power sources per propeller, normally configured with a main engine and a smaller electric motor. Those additional electric components make those hybrid concepts more complex and more expensive.

Based on the unique Schottel SRP-Y Hybrid upper gear module for azimuth thrusters, SCHOTTEL SYDRIVE-M is a new variable and purely mechanical hybrid propulsion system with no need for any additional electronical components or an additional gear box. The core functionality of SYDRIVE-M is to mechanically connect two thrusters and one of the two main engines for all light operation activities which do not require full power of the two main engines. In this synchronised Light Operation Mode, one of the two main propulsion engines remains alternating off. This leads to a noticeable reduction of operating hours of the main propulsion engines, and thus to a reduction of maintenance costs.

In addition, the single running main engine remaining in operation is now better loaded by two thrusters and operates in a better specific fuel consumption range, leading to less fuel consumption and emissions. In contrast to a conventional tug, with two engines running in traditional Light Operation Mode, where both engines are operated at a relatively low rpm range which is not efficient with regard to fuel consumption and emissions.

For short operation times when full propulsion power is needed, the connection between the two thrusters is disengaged and each engine is engaged to each thruster. The system is now identical to any other directly driven propulsion system.

For any directly driven vessel the new SYDRIVE-M system provides a solution to enable fire-fighting operation with no need of an additional investment in components like medium or heavy duty slipping clutches, CP propellers or dedicated engines to supply power to a FiFi-pump. For the SYDRIVE-M FiFi-mode, the disengaged main engine is used to drive the FiFi-pump through its front PTO.

SYDRIVE-M can be integrated into any usual vessel design with direct propulsion with no need of design changes. It is available for the Schottel Rudderpropeller and SCHOTTEL EcoPeller series of azimuth thrusters from 1,000 kW up to 3,000 kW. Retrofit is possible upon request for specific SCHOTTEL azimuth thrusters and engine types. The system has been filed for patenting.

Posted in Power, propulsion and turbochargers

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