Page 28: of Marine News Magazine (July 2019)

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COLUMN PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY

How to Get to Hybridization

By Jon Mosterd

Hybridization in the marine world ciency and maximize output. Often, these systems are cou- is transitioning from the latest fad to pled with energy storage via batteries or super capacitors to a key part of vessel design and retro- help smooth out peak power loads, or even provide peak ? ts. Driven in part by a demand for energy for short-term loads. Further, many companies are increased ef? ciency and new waves of replacing fuel-driven propulsion or thrusters with electric global legislation, hybridizing or elec- motors and using a series of generators to provide power trifying a vessel is quickly becoming based on demand. This, in turn, means that a vessel only necessary for organizations. In fact, the consumes the necessary fuel, and alternate generators that

International Maritime Organization are not required are turned off.

Mosterd (IMO) rules and guidelines for the ma- For some, hybridization can seem like an unavoidable rine industry call for reduced emissions risk. But, the ? rst step to developing a successful plan for globally, and some ports around the world have established hybridization is to conduct the thorough research necessary ambitious goals to reduce emissions to zero percent. to review your current situation. This will establish the ves-

Early adopters of electri? cation and hybridization are sel’s needs and provide solutions for the future. Investing already reaping the rewards and realizing positive returns in the resources to gather the correct data and establish a on investment – including real savings and bene? ts to their baseline of where you are currently is an essential. The plan ? eets. Furthermore, they have also gained the knowledge and data should then be veri? ed through multiple recom- and experience to continue to grow and develop even more mendations, as there are varying opinions on solutions and hybrid solutions. Considering this, an increasing number approaches. Knowing where you have been and where you of organizations are beginning to evaluate how they can are at will help to set the right trajectory for the future.

move towards hybridization in their marine applications. The hybridization process can start with a few shaft gen- erators and increase all the way to a fully electri? ed vessel.

T Fully understanding and considering the purpose of your

HE HYBRIDIZATION CHALLENGE

Generally, hybridization can be de? ned as the coupling vessel will be critical to laying this groundwork. Items such of two or more energy sources together to increase ef? - as electric propulsion and thrusters, energy storage, shaft

Credit: Danfoss

July 2019 28 MN

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