TRANSFLUID - BELLMARINE

Building on their strong history providing hybrid and electric propulsion for marine applications, Transfluid was selected as the hybrid system supplier for the Western Flyer renovation project. Built in 1937 in Tacoma WA, the Flyer has a storied history but is most well known as the boat chartered by John Steinbeck in his 1940 expedition to the Gulf of California chronicled in The Log from the Sea of Cortez. Called “the most famous research vessel to ever have sailed”, the Flyer is a 77ft wooden fishing vessel being restored in Port Townsend WA by the Western Flyer Foundation.

The boat is being recommissioned as a fishing vessel, and a showpiece for green technology. Powering the Flyer is a 425HP John Deere diesel onto which is mounted the HM3350 hybrid module. For the electric propulsion, twin 100HP electric machines will allow the Flyer to reach hull speed in electric mode and perform standby operations completely silent. This is extremely valuable when collecting data onsite.

Additionally, the HM3350 features 3 additional PTO heads which will drive the steering pump as well as a clutchable pump to operate the research equipment. Head extensions for the PTO heads allow for a seamless integration with the Tier 4 diesel and marine gear. Transfluid has provided the propulsion control, CANBUS communication system, and all components to make the complete hybrid supply. The operator is able to switch on the fly from diesel to electric mode with the press of a button, and engage or disengage the hydraulics from the control bridge.

For energy storage, 115kWh of lithium iron phosphate batteries provide autonomy in electric mode and power the house systems. The boat is able to charge while underway in diesel mode using the power of the engine, or while docked using shore power. The Western Flyer will be launching on its maiden voyage as a hybrid vessel in the last quarter of 2023.

The two companies collaborated to design and install the cost-effective diesel-electric system for the nine-meter Ribcraft professional rigid hull inflatable boat. A Patrol RHIB was required for the surveillance of protected environmental areas with zero environmental impact, while being able to operate at speeds exceeding 40 knots for safety and security missions.

Elcome was responsible for all aspects of specifying, integrating, installing, testing and commissioning the Transfluid hybrid system, which can operate in pure electric, engine or booster mode. All systems and equipment on board have been specified and designed in collaboration with Ribcraft’s team of technical designers and naval architects.

The system architecture, developed by Transfluid, incorporates a clutch and transmission that enables fast and seamless switching between modes. When the clutch is disengaged, the vessel runs solely on battery power, providing emission-free and silent running. When in “engine” mode, the clutch is engaged and the twin Volvo Penta D4 DPH Diesel propel the boat and can also recharge the batteries if required at the touch of a button. In the “booster” mode, the battery-driven electric motor and Diesel engines deliver maximum thrust for powertrain.

The boat can run efficiently and quietly in electric mode while patrolling at low speeds or in sheltered waters and quickly switch to high speed operation as needed.

The Diesels can be brought online while running on

https://www.transfluid.eu/en/transfluid-provide-hybrid-electric-propulsion-system-for-new-ribcraft-

Elegance, confort of navigation and respect for the environment, here are some of the caracteristics of the new LEEN 56 and LEEN 72 Hybrid Travel Yachts. The trimaran hybrid trawler yachts are equipped with an innovative, high performance and strong reliable propulsion system. Thanks to the 2 electric motors on the outer hulls, and a central thermal engine on the main hull, the LEEN trimarans have a propulsion adapted to all situations and navigation program.

Equipped of a Bellmarine electric motors DriveMaster 15kW in each hull developing 15kW, with liquid cooling system, it allows for smooth manouverings and around 7kn maximum speed without noise and in a eco-responsible navigation. The electric propulsion is able to run continuously the yacht at almost 5kn with the support of the ONAN Genset, for tremendous range and very limited pollution. With an important pack of Lithium batteries 48Vdc both for propulsion and boat services, it provides a very satisfying authonomy. No maintenance needed for the Bellmarine motors and thanks to their small volume they can be fitted in nerrow places.

LEEN-TRIMARANS has chosen robust, reliable, and approved systems from the motorisation industry and adapted them to the Yachting industry. The Cummins main engines – “Intermittent Duty” for the 56 and “Heavy Duty” for the 72 – are designed to run 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. For the electric motors, LEEN-TRIMARANS has opted for Bellmarine, a manufacturer highly reputed in the sailing world for its electrical systems. These electric motors are exceptionally reliable, as evidenced by their use in many professional vessels.

Reliability and safety

The combustion engine gives you a cruising speed of around ten knots.

The two electric motors:

– Allow you to silently arrive at or leave an anchorage

– Give you perfect manoeuvrability in harbours

– Act as a back-up for the combustion engine.

The three motors are mounted in line with the shaft so as to minimise the number of intermediate components and consequently the mechanical wear of the systems. This assembly reduces pressure losses, thus optimising drive efficiency.

LEEN trimarans have very low fuel consumption. This is due to the narrowness of their three hulls and the considerable length of the main hull; the weight distribution; and the hybrid engine, which has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at eco speed and 2,500 nautical miles at cruising speed, with a 5,000-litre tank.

A unique hybrid motorisation system laid out across three hulls: Hybrid engines are a particularly appropriate choice for the LEEN as the boat’s layout allows each of the drive systems to operate at optimum range. All situations of use favour the performance, maintenance, and consumption levels of these engines.

https://www.transfluid.eu/en/new-era-of-trimaran-hybrid-trawler-yachts/