Hybrid propulsion

16 June 2023

Hybrid propulsion allows the user to easily meet increasing requirements around emissions and noise pollution. Such a design involves a generator set combined with another energy source, such as a battery or fuel cell.

Power is supplied by the battery, and when it runs low, the generator set kicks in to simultaneously supply power and recharge the batteries. With this clean, economical and quiet solution, you meet emission requirements and save the necessary fuel.

How does hybrid propulsion work?

Hybrid propulsion uses two or more power sources. The most common variant of this is a combination of a generator set and a battery. The purpose of hybrid propulsion is to achieve flexible and efficient energy production.

Special vessels, such as tugs and support vessels, idle much of the time. In this process, the main engines are running, ready to respond, but no power is used for propulsion. A hybrid solution uses batteries and small diesel generators. These provide power to the ship in idle, standby, when maneuvering in port and when traveling short distances. This is a similar process in ferries starting/stopping or traveling scheduled routes. As for dynamic positioning, until the additional main engine is started and accelerated, propulsion power can be provided by batteries to provide long-term propulsion power.

The main power distribution on board these ships can be done either from AC or DC voltage. Both have their own requirements for generator selection. In particular, the presence of frequency drives is a factor of importance in generator selection. This is because if the generator is selected incorrectly, large voltage distortions will occur.

Caldic Techniek adds value to your business

As Caldic Techniek we find it important to add value in the whole chain. Therefore we have developed several services you can rely on.

During your engineering process our people are ready to advise and assist you. Because the better solution may require customization, we have the ability to modify generators in our workshops in Rotterdam.

In need of customized advice?

Would you like to know more about building hybrid generator sets with Caldic Techniek’s generators? We can provide you with extensive advice and we can also deliver the generators to you already equipped with the necessary modifications and couplings for your specific hybrid design. In this area we like to be involved in the process as early as possible to give you the best possible service.