The terms hybrid marine power, hybrid marine propulsion, hybrid marine technology and hybrid electric marine propulsion all basically refer to a complete power & propulsion system where power is derived from more than one source. Diesel-electric propulsion systems can also be considered a form of hybrid power.
Generally speaking, the aim of a modern hybrid propulsion system or hybrid technologies is to provide power to a ship or vessel in a manner which will be more efficient and cleaner than traditional fossil fuel based systems.
This can be achieved by operating motors in a more efficient manner, harnessing energy from the sun & wind, using alternative fuels (such as biofuels) and utilising on-board energy storage & power management systems. A ship, ferry or other vessel using a hybrid power or hybrid propulsion system can also operate more quietly and this not only increases passenger comfort, but also reduces noise pollution which can be a major problem particularly in urban areas.
An Eco Marine Power hybrid marine power solution may still use low emission diesel engines but only in cases where these meet strict harmful emission reduction guidelines. (such as those stipulated by the International Maritime Organisation)
As Emission Control Areas (ECA's) become more widespread, the use eco-friendly hybrid propulsion systems will become more commonplace and Eco Marine Power is developing solutions suitable for urban waterways, rivers, marine parks & oceans.
Eco Marine Power hybrid power solutions also include a data logging & control system called the Aquarius MAS which will help optimise the performance of the vessel thus saving more fuel. This data logging computer system can also be installed as a stand-alone system on new vessels or retro-fitted to existing vessels.
Some of the common forms of hybrid marine power include:
Series Hybrid Marine Power (Series HMP)
A series hybrid marine power (HMP) system uses an electric motor to provide power to the drive shaft directly. It is possible in certain situations to power a vessel using a series hybrid marine power system without the consumption of any fossil fuel by using only solar and wind power with a back-up biofuel generator. This type of system is very similar to an all-electric ship propulsion system.
Parallel Hybrid Marine Power (Parallel HMP)
This type of system combines electric propulsion with a traditional drive (i.e diesel engine) and these are utilized together via a gearbox to move a vessel through the water. When a vessel or ship is operating at cruising speed the engines provide power to the shaft and also help charge on-board batteries, then when the vessel comes into berth or is alongside the electric motors alone can be used.
Hybrid Electric Marine Propulsion
In this type of system, generators are used to supply power to electric motors which are then used to drive propellers or other marine propulsion solutions. Solar panels can be combined with this type of system so that renewable energy can also be used and Eco Marine Power is currently looking at ways to incorporate wind power into this type of solution in the near future.
Eco Marine Power is also currently developing a number of hybrid marine power solutions by combining it's own design concepts with technology from strategic partners. These concepts will allow for various technologies to be integrated so that a renewable energy solution can be configured to suit a wide variety of vessels including passenger ferries and unmanned surface vessels. (USV's)
See also: Solar Ferry Concept Technologies
