<<

TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

Top trends in marine generator sets

INCREASINGLY BEING USED FOR HYBRID APPLICATIONS, MARINE GENERATORS ARE EVOLVING INTO SOPHISTICATED, MULTI-SPEED SYSTEMS THAT CAN ALSO HARNESS RENEWABLES TO SAVE FUEL

JAKE KAVANAGH AND CRAIG RITCHIE REPORT

“BOATS ARE BECOMING more like houses,” says Riccardo Snaidero, sales manager for Italian generator manufacturer Volpi Tecno Energia (VTE). His statement reflects the general opinion of the marine off-grid power sector as it evolves to meet an almost insatiable appetite for AC power afloat. “Owners want their boats to be as comfortable as possible, with equipment such as air conditioners, watermakers, and modern kitchen appliances installed on board. All of these require a high consumption of energy.”

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34 www.ibi-plus.com International Boat Industry | JUNE – JULY 2017 57 TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

ANDREW GROWCOOT, CEO BETA MARINE Customers are looking for quiet, clean and maintenance-free equipment that is on demand at the touch of a button

 Owners increasingly want all the comforts of home, and with an energy requirement to match, wherever they are

But it doesn’t end required. After reviewing some of the load “Customers are looking for quiet, clean, there, as Dino profiles of existing installations at the time, and maintenance-free equipment that is on Salvemini, vice we found that most installations oversized demand at the touch of a button,” says Beta president of the generators to handle the largest loads Marine’s Andrew Growcoot. His company Italian-based onboard, but ironically under-loaded them produces generator sets based on Kubota, Mase, remarks. for the majority of their life, which resulted Scania and John Deere blocks, with a “Whilst the in long-term engine fouling problems.” specialisation in hybrid installations. “Even market demands the button itself is becoming obsolete as more power, it DEPENDABLE POWER MANAGEMENT clients are looking for fully automated  Dino Salvemini is vice also demands a Another major factor in recent years has systems. They want to return to their vessel president of Mase better power- been the sheer number of current-sensitive knowing the batteries will be fully charged to-dimension electronics being used offshore, all of and ready to go. We are now supplying a lot ratio, less weight and minimal noise and which require an uninterruptable power more gensets with our on-demand starting vibration. In other words, a high ‘power supply (UPS). More people are choosing to capability, both for battery charging and concentration’. These characteristics have use their boat as a mobile office, running for on board AC.” always been requested, but now they have computers, TV screens, printers and sat Beta, VTE and Mase offer dedicated more importance than in the past.” comms equipment, so there have been marine generator sets to the leisure Greg Klompenhouwer, senior product some big advances in dependable power boat market, but along with other manager at Kohler Marine, echoes these management. These allow a boat to manufacturers, including the giants like sentiments. “Demands for electrical power automatically – and seamlessly – switch Kohler, Cummins, Onan, MAN, Perkins have never been higher, and the space the between shore power or batteries, and fire and Scania, also provide generators for yacht-builders leave for the generators up the generator to fill any shortfall. commercial applications as well. As with has never been smaller. After all, more In fact, automated systems such as the all OEMs, innovation in one part of the living space translates to more yacht sales, MasterBus protocol pioneered by Dutch market filters down to others, and one of it’s as simple as that. So therein lies the specialist Mastervolt or the automotive the main drivers in R&D is fuel efficiency. design problem: how to design a power G1939 used by French-based Dolphin Huge strides are being made in the diesel- solution that maximises the output while Charger are very much in demand as the electric propulsion sector, with the three- simultaneously minimising the space level of sophistication grows. day Electric & Hybrid Marine World

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34 58 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

Ultimate power efficiency – the Volvo Ocean Race

TO ILLUSTRATE JUST how efficient power generation and management has become, take a look at the most recent Volvo Ocean Race. Each identical 65ft yacht had exactly the same Mastervolt set-up, with a Volvo diesel spinning up a pair of high-efficiency alternators. With limited fuel to save weight, the charge cycles were few and far between. “The boats went through a charge cycle every 24 hours,” says Mastervolt’s Ton de Winter, EMEA business leader at Mastervolt’s Dutch headquarters. “Each 59-minute cycle supplied roughly 240-280Ah of current to the Mastervolt Lithium-ion batteries at 24V, and is also used to run the watermakers. The two Mastervolt alternators produced 300Ah at 24V, so they could get the Li-ion batteries  Manufactuers such as Mase and Fischer Panda are all striving to reduce the footprint and noise of their recharged very quickly. Every electrical circuit generators, whilst boosting the power-to-dimension ratio. Variable-speed motors and the use of permanent ran through our Mastervolt CZone Digital magnets are all helping Switching Platform. This system needs the same resilience and redundancy as the Li-ion Expo now in its fifth year. Efficient power loads during daytime operations, whereas batteries, as it runs 24/7 and all the critical generation afloat, including minimising the harbour set is much smaller, and runs systems rely on its ‘up time’. Everything from wastage and maximising storage – quietly at night to deliver reduced air the canting keel pump, water ballast tanks, increasingly with Lithium-based batteries conditioning, a few courtesy lights and media desk and satellite communications – is a major aspect of our modern world. battery charging. needed power for continuous operation.” For this feature, we’re looking at trends Historically, US-specified boats were Despite this limited charging regime, in stand-alone generator sets, which the most power hungry, but other nations and the high draw items needing power, the require their own fuel supply and exhaust have since closed the gap. “We are a global systems worked beyond expectations, saving system. These sets can be broadly divided player, we sell in North America, Europe, fuel, weight and recharge times. into two types – ‘fixed speed’ and ‘variable Asia, South America and Australia,” says speed’ – and into two categories – ‘main’ Steve Jelinek, generator business marketing and ‘harbour’ (sometimes called ‘day’ and manager for Cummins. “Regardless of ‘night’ sets). where they live, boaters generally want all STEVE JELINEK, MARKETING MANAGER the equipment that makes boating more CUMMINS FIXED SPEED VS VARIABLE comfortable and enjoyable. The biggest Generally speaking, a fixed-speed generator difference from one region to the next is optimised to deliver its maximum load are the various emissions standards and at its most efficient setting, commonly regulations that have to be met.” Regardless of where at either 1,500rpm (1,800rpm for the US) In addition, there has been a steady they live, boaters or 3,000rpm. A variable-speed set adjusts increase in interest in hybrid systems, generally want itself through a pre-set rev range to be inspired by the success of the automotive most fuel efficient for the load at the industry, and benefitting from big leaps in all the equipment time. Due to the nature of an alternator, battery and motor design. that makes boating the speed at which it spins governs the So what are the current trends in AC frequency, so electronics are needed marine generator sets? We spoke to more comfortable to adjust the variable output to maintain key OEMs, end users, boatbuilders and and enjoyable either a 50Hz or 60Hz delivery. The main, maintenance engineers to see where the or day generator, is used to meet the peak market is heading.

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34 60 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com of engine. We cannot afford to stop this Key trends process.” The trends within the generator market subdivide into three Greater DIY maintenance main categories: design and Hand in hand with reliability is efficiency, installation and the service schedule. Many OEMs maintenance, and system are making their generator sets as integration. Each category easy to service as possible, which has been seeing some major appeals to long-distance yachtsmen innovation and superyacht captains alike. “This is  OEMs such as Mase are constantly marrying the helped by placing all the maintenance latest generators with the very latest engines, such as items on one side for ease of DESIGN AND EFFICIENCY with this Mariner 11 set-up accessibility,” says Fischer Panda’s Chris Fower. “The oil filler, waterpump and Increased reliability the time, so genset manufacturers are filters are all easy to reach. Having a basic Most generator manufacturers specify constantly reviewing their portfolios. DIY service ability means that owners will proven engines that meet the strict new “It is very important to use state- be encouraged to do their own servicing, emissions regulations. These are either of-the-art technology,” says Mase’s and this familiarity will encourage a own-brand units, or base engines from Salvemini, who is proud of his company’s better maintenance regime.” other proven manufacturers. Kohler ability to create custom gensets for and Perkins use their own base engines, specific projects. “The latest engines are Quieter running whereas Beta Marine, for example, uses very compact with low emission levels, “Quiet running is a major customer either Kubota or Scania blocks and Mase less noise and minimal vibration. But request,” says VTE’s Riccardo Snaidero. uses Yanmar, amongst others. However, that means we are constantly designing “This is easier to obtain with the diesel-engine technology is changing all new generators using the latest model 1,500rpm sets, but more difficult at

POWERED BY PASSION

Siemensstraße 37–39 D-25462 Rellingen

Tel. +49(0)4101-3849-0 SPECTACULAR IMPRESSIONS. VISIONARY IDEAS. Fax +49(0)4101-3849-50 REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY. www.reckmann.com [email protected]

www.ibi-plus.com International Boat Industry | JUNE – JULY 2017 61 TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

3,000rpm. Our cooling system is a winning point here, because both the engine and the alternator are watercooled. This means the capsule doesn’t need any external ventilation, so the sound remains inside. However, the capsule is also made from three pieces, which makes installation and routine maintenance much easier.” US-based Kohler has also put a great deal of effort into quiet running, with a separate sound shield for the engine and alternator, proprietary mount cushions for the engine feet, and a redesigned ventilation system.  The Panda 4000s Neo Meanwhile, Mase’s new IS series has uses Fischer Panda’s own FP320 a lightweight aluminium case and single cylinder diesel engine and double-damping mounts, and also has is ideal for small spaces an intercooler system for both engine and alternator, so no heat radiates into years has seen a big turnaround,” says and Mase have reaped the benefits of the engine space. These all help to mute Fischer Panda’s Fower. “These gensets more compact units due to water cooling the genset’s noise levels. can save up to 25% in fuel, and can also be of both the engine and alternator. made smaller and quieter. Also, you only “People still have the perception that a Rise of the variable speed generate the power you need, rather than fixed generator can be the size of a small Historically, generator sets have been having to dump the excess.” suitcase,” says Fischer Panda’s Fowey. quite heavy machines running at a fixed “Sadly, not yet, but our smallest sets can speed, so as to deliver a specific voltage Move towards permanent magnets fit into a space where our rivals can’t.” and frequency, ie 110VAC @60Hz for An increase of up to 30% in electrical the US, and 240VAC at 50Hz for the efficiency can be made by using a fixed Auto paralleling EU. Variable speed generators usually magnet instead of an active field coil, When using a combination of day and involve two or more ‘steps’ in RPM, so many companies are adapting this night generators, there will be occasions rather than a sliding scale, so the output technology from the commercial sector. when both need to be linked together to can be stabilised at each stage. “We are still developing our range of meet peak loads. This avoids having to “The variable speed generator is now permanent magnet generators at higher over-specify the main generator, which fully proven, as it has been with us for power and with variable speed,” says may run a lot of the time on light loads, six or seven years, and over the last two VTE’s Snaidero. “This allows us to unify with detrimental effects. Traditionally, the compactness of the 3000 rpm models this paralleling meant a large cabinet of with the silence of the 1500 rpm, whilst switch gear, now replaced by compact also saving fuel.” electronics that allows parallel gensets CHRIS FOWER, MARINE SALES & MARKETING to seamlessly mesh. The Kohler system FISCHER PANDA INSTALLATION AND is called Decision-Maker 3500, and uses MAINTENANCE a single CANbus link to parallel two or more Kohler units. On canals, a lot of Creating units that are easy to install customers want and service is a major objective of genset More keel cooling OEMs, as seen in these ongoing trends: Helping to reduce exhaust noise and to keel cooling, as this allow for fresh-water cooling is the use allows them to run Smaller footprint of a keel cooler, a practice most usually Reducing the size of a genset increases found on the inland waterways of Europe. a heavily muffled the mounting options, so smaller is “On the canals, a lot of customers dry exhaust system usually better. Kohler, for example, has want keel cooling, as this allows them reduced the overall footprint of its latest to run a heavily muffled dry exhaust models by up to 16 inches, whilst VTE system,” says Fower of Fischer Panda.

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34 62 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

Small generator – Featured system schematic big battery bank

WITH THE MUCH greater storage capacity available from Lithium-ion technology, there is a move towards using an ‘energy bank’ in concert with a smaller generator. The idea is that the energy bank is recharged ‘off peak’ or when there is surplus energy, and then tapped into at times of peak demand to supplement – or even replace – the generator. One such system, called New School, has been developed by Dutch-based WhisperPower, and is reported to be enjoying considerable success following trials with Dickey Boats in Auckland, New Zealand. The heart of the system is a large bank of Lithium-ion batteries, equivalent to the total peak load of the boat. A variable speed ‘Genverter’ would be able to recharge this bank in around six hours, and would run during the day when noise is less of an issue. Everything is managed via WhisperPower’s DC Powercube, including input from any renewables. When peak power is required, the boat will run entirely off the battery bank, which can be deep-cycled up to 5,000 times. “Lithium-ion batteries aren’t cheap,” WhisperPower concedes, “so this system requires a considerably higher up-front investment that a conventional large generator with lead-acid batteries. But the fuel savings over the life of the system should pay for itself. In highly-regulated environments like Europe, the reduced emissions from such a system A large bank of Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of WhisperPower’s New School system, may be essential for a vessel to meet the and are equivalent to the peak load of the boat necessary standards.”

Global support propulsion and the genset, to simplify We mentioned the importance of a wide spares and expertise. service network in our feature of diesel The development engines, but there is a growing trend SYSTEM INTEGRATION of intelligent for owners and some boatbuilders to power specify equipment that they know is well So, what do we do with all this power management systems has supported throughout the world. The we’ve created? That’s where the clever allowed the generator to availability of service items such as belts bit begins, because the development of be at the heart and filters, or qualified agents in popular intelligent power management systems of a multi-input cruising areas, is a factor in the purchasing has allowed the generator to be at the system decision. In several cruising yachts, such heart of a multi-input system. These are as Oyster or Nordhaven, it is common to some trends in how power is distributed see the same brand of engine used for both around the boat.

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34 64 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

 Mastervolt offers a range of  The EasyView 5 control screen from Lithium-ion batteries for on and off-grid Mastervolt completes any MasterBus system. Its power generation compact size makes it ideal for yachts

Visual displays Dolphin Charger. “Today, owners want called Amperian, where electrical data Gone are the days when you would just to be able to remotely monitor their is uploaded automatically from the fire up the generator and watch the lights boat in the same way they monitor their boat to a secure server. A customised brighten. Now advanced electronics house. Battery charging is no different, portal allows owners to not only check allow you to monitor every aspect of the especially as the chargers are permanently everything from battery charge to tank ebb and flow of power across a boat’s connected. We work closely with OEMs levels, but also access a logbook to trace entire system. Mastervolt pioneered to ensure this is easy to achieve, because system performance over time. this type of management system with it is what customers are asking for.” MasterBus, where a single cable links all Mastervolt has also developed Tapping renewables the components of a system together to its own remote monitoring system Whilst generators are the heart of an AC allow communication between them, system, there is a move now to reduce and the EasyView 5 control screen. NICOLAS FATA, OEM & EXPORT MANAGER the size of generator needed and instead Protocols are now available, usually DOLPHIN CHARGER tap in to other sources of power as through an interface, that allows the data they become available. However, when to be displayed on navigation screens in wind generators or solar panels aren’t the cockpit, or on a string of repeaters. Today, owners effective, the genset comes in, sometimes Essentially, you can tell at a glance how automatically, to fill the void. The your generator is performing, and how want to be able to effective harnessing of varying degrees healthy your batteries are. remotely monitor of renewable power in concert with a generator requires ‘intelligent’ battery Remote access their boat in the chargers to not only charge batteries of Taking the view screen a stage further, same way they all types, including the relatively new this information can be remotely Lithium-ion variety, but also to know communicated to your phone or home monitor their house which power source to prioritise. This computer. “This is very important,” trend for a complete system, rather than explains Nicolas Fata of France-based just a generator, is gaining popularity.

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34

66 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

The rise of diesel electric

THE LEISURE INDUSTRY’S flirtation with manager at Kohler Marine. “Tier III changes the global appetite for on board AC power electric propulsion is now gaining momentum, affecting our products coming up in the future generation, with most OEMs reporting strong largely thanks to technological advances in the require SCR after-treatment systems to reduce sales in the Far East. “Typically, the US market commercial sector, the rise of the hybrid electric NOx levels, and these systems are going to require is high production gas (petrol) and small to vehicle, and owners wishing to enjoy silent more maintenance. These systems can be quite mid-range diesels. South America is smaller cruising. Austrian pioneers such as Steyr Motors, large, and boatbuilders are preparing now to diesel units, mainly for sailboats,” says Kohler’s with its clever electric motor/generator/starter accommodate those changes, both on the genset Greg Klompenhouwer. “Europe is primarily sandwiched between engine and gearbox, and and on the propulsion engines. IMO Tier III came mid-to-large diesel units, and not very much Torqeedo with its lightweight Lithium-powered into effect last year on commercial vessels, and gas at all. For us, Asia is a focus. In Singapore outboards and pod drives, have already set the is coming to yachts in 2021. Engines have grown there’s so much yachting going on. China stage with proven products. increasingly complicated, both operationally and is still a developing country from a boating The ability to run electric propulsion via on the emissions control side, and this will just add perspective, but it’s becoming more like the US a large bank of deep-cycle/fast recharge another level of complexity and maintenance.” and European economies in that they have a Lithium-ion batteries, itself recharged via a growing middle class, they’re building marinas highly efficient generator, is now becoming THE FUTURE and there are more and more private yachts.” widely accepted in the commercial shipping OEMs continue to strive for smaller and quieter Whilst the markets may be strong in the industry. At the recent Electric & Hybrid Marine generators with a high power density, but the Mediterranean and Far East, the future of the World Expo in Amsterdam (6-9 June 2017), the future does seem to be in the more efficient technology is moving inexorably towards industry gave achievement awards to companies management of the power they create, and a smaller, high-output variable speed generators such as Corvus Energy, ABB propulsion and BB greater use of Lithium battery banks as a deep feeding banks of Lithium-ion batteries. Green for their advances in commercial battery cycle/fast charge energy reserve. At the same “There is a new market that is rising in Italy banks and drive systems. This technology time, the generator, especially on smaller yachts, and Europe – hybrid propulsion,” concludes is now being adopted by companies with a is being used to supplement other sources, Mase’s vice chairman, Dino Salvemini. “We specialised leisure sector, such as Dutch-based particularly from renewables, rather than being a produce generators for electric or diesel-electric HyPS Hybrid Power Systems, which took a stand stand-alone unit. propulsion systems, and if a customer asks for a at the show. “We were showing our new 85kW Meanwhile, there seems to be no let up in generator that doesn’t yet exist, we make it.” variable speed prototype generator, designed for hybrid applications,” says HyPS’s Rudolf van Heek. “It is around 40% smaller and lighter than a conventional set, and it received a great deal of interest.” HyPS customises generator and battery technology to increase a vessel’s speed and range, broaden the electrical platform and allow for emission and noise-free cruising and anchoring. HyPS’s team members’ experience goes back to the pioneering work on the ‘greenest ever’ 60m superyacht Ethereal, which carries 400kWh of Lithum-Ion batteries. “A lot of innovation is happening within the automotive sector, rather than shipping, as they have the largest budgets for R&D,” van Heek explains. “When the Germans develop a new technology – for example, hydrogen-powered cars – it is quickly adopted by the rest of the industry.”

THE IMPACT OF EMISSIONS “Tightening emission regulations will have an impact on installation and maintenance,” says Greg Klompenhouwer, senior product  HyPS’s 85kW variable speed prototype generator is said to be 40% smaller than a conventional set

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34

68 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

 Generators should be easy to install and easy to service. Here, a Caterpillar unit is being installed by Pure Refit in Spain

THE ENGINEER’S VIEW with catastrophic results,” Harris says. windings. The alternator is written off, and The real test of a product is the passage of “Another issue is lack of maintenance. because it is listed as a spare part, and is time. We asked experienced engineer Keith We had an American boat in our UK very expensive to replace, it is often more Harris of Golden Arrow Marine what tends marina for several months, and using the cost-effective to replace the entire genset.” to go wrong with generator sets. generator all the time as the boat was Light running also leads to problems, “Initially, poor installation can cause the incompatible with shore power. There was where large generators are only supplying biggest problems, which isn’t the generator no down time for maintenance, and when small loads for extended periods. manufacturers fault,” Harris explains. As it did finally need urgent attention, we “This can glaze up the bores and lead a veteran marine engineer he has worked found the oil was so thick we had trouble to excessive smoke,” Harris says. He advises in both the commercial and leisure sectors getting it out of the sump.” owners with large generators to give them for over 40 years. “We had one set that had Owners are keen to service their a full blow-out now and again, loading been put in the wrong way round, so all the main engines at regular intervals, Harris the electrical system to peak capacity to service items were hard against the hull, suggests, but the generator sets often get drive the engine hard enough to clear out and unreachable. This had been done to sidelined, even when the engineer is on the cylinders. ease the exhaust run, but simply made the board, and happy to do the job. set unserviceable.” Another failure point seen is the THE INSTALLER’S VIEW Exhaust runs are a major issue with support bearing at the end of the Whether fitting a new generator or any installation, and can lead to some alternator. “On most conventional sets, the upgrading an old one, what helps a maintenance issues if not properly alternator is supported at one end by the generator installer to provide a reliable addressed. “The generators on smaller engine itself, and at the other by a set of installation? boats tend to have a small bore exhaust, bearings,” Harris says. “These are almost “Customers usually come to us with a but often with a long run, and if there is never changed, whereas they should be brand in mind,” says Mike Underwood, no water separator fitted, you can have swapped out periodically. The result is that a specialist at UK-based Solent Refit. problems with both exhaust back pressure, the alternator sags in its bearing, and the The yard conducts full refits mainly on and water getting back into the engine, rotor can hit the stator and damage the superyachts, where power generation

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34 70 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com TECHNICAL SECTOR SPOTLIGHT | GENERATORS

 A Westerbeke genset inside a Hallberg-Rassy 62.  CEO Magnus Rassy surveys the engine room. “Noise reduction is important, but exactly how we achieve that is Note the extensive soundproofing of the engine bay a trade secret,” he says. is a key issue. “It’s usually the captains “We settled on this brand because of THE BOATBUILDER’S VIEW that decide what they want, rather than the long warranty, which is five years Hallberg-Rassy is based in Sweden and owners, and it’s often based on previous or 2,000 hours, and a good distribution is well known for building high-quality experience. They will often be specifying network,” says Seapower Marine’s Jules production sailing yachts that are greater capacity, but we usually advise the Wright. “We’re typically selling between regularly cruised to some of the remotest parallel route, because we have seen so 7kw-9.5kW for leisure use, and 19kW and places on earth. As a result, each yacht is many over-sized generators written off by above for commercial use. In the latter very highly specified, and generators are excessive running on light loads. They need sector, the generators do some remarkable common across the size range. to work hard.” hours. We have one that has just passed “To start with, we need to have an Although OEMs are making their 27,000 hours. We have very few issues engine room with lots of space,” says gensets as small as possible, this can give with installation, except where the boats CEO Magnus Rassy. “This allows for some headaches for the installers. “Small may have an isolated electrical system. the installation of a big generator, isn’t necessarily good as it can make This is common on aluminium boats, but yet offering availability for servicing servicing tricky if things are too close some GRP boats, especially from France, and good ventilation. We’re seeing together, and there isn’t much room to may have a positive earth, rather than Lithium-ion batteries gaining a greater manoeuvre,” Underwood suggests. “An a negative. It’s important that installers market share, and that in turn opens issue we have with some boats is that we know about this peculiarity.” up for larger gensets and greater have to place the genset in a different area, The only failure point, common to charging ability, as those batteries such as a lazarette or locker. If the boat is all marine diesels, is the impeller, but hardly have any resistance and can be for charter, this can raise some issues for Seapower has developed a special grid to charged much faster. Luckily, modern the owner as the area is now a designated catch any fragments before they can get generators are getting more and more engine space, with its own set of rules.” into the heat exchanger. “We think the compact, allowing more kW in the Another specialist, this time for mid- Onan brand is the Rolls Royce of marine same space than just a few years ago. range yachts and commercial vessels, is gensets,” Wright says. “Spares aren’t cheap, Noise reduction is also important, but UK-based Seapower Marine, a dealer for but the brand has a solid reputation, and is exactly how we achieve that is a trade the Cummins Onan brand. well supported globally.” secret.”

sponsor banner IBI 12x185mm.indd 1 07-06-17 11:34

72 JUNE – JULY 2017 | International Boat Industry www.ibi-plus.com OUR THANKS TO Movers and shakers in the generator world and their support systems

GENERATORS

Cummins Onan Provider of marine generator solutions for recreational and commercial boats and yachts Tel: +1 (763) 574–5000 http://power.cummins.com/marine

Fischer Panda German producer of diesel generators, hybrid and drive systems for mobile marine and vehicle applications Tel: +49 (0)5254 9202-0  Generators are a necessity when sailing to remote regions. Above is the Hallberg-Rassy 48 at anchor www.fischerpanda.de range of generators from 1Kw to 1600KVA Mastervolt Perkins Tel: +39 0547 354311 Dutch manufacturer of power management UK-based supplier of auxiliary power generators www.masegenerators.com systems, inverters and Lithium-ion batteries in for leisure and commercial applications support of on and off-grid power generation Tel: +44 (0)1733 583000 MAN www.mastervolt.com www.perkins.com Manufacturer of marine, emergency and auxiliary/ harbour gensets between 100kVA and 750kVA INSTALLERS AND OTHER SUPPORT Beta Marine Tel: +45-3385-1100 Producer of generator sets based on Kubota, www.marine.man.eu Solent Refit Scania and John Deere blocks, with a UK-based superyacht refit and repair facility specialisation in hybrid installations HYBRID SYSTEMS Tel: +44 (0)2380 84 1188 Tel: +44 (0)1452 723 492 www.solentrefit.com www.betamarine.co.uk HYPS (Hybrid Power Systems) Dutch specialist in the design, development Golden Arrow Marine WhisperPower and delivery of marine hybrid power and Supplier and installer of marine generators with Dutch producer of generators for both propulsion systems three branches on Britain’s south coast recreational and commercial markets, offering Tel: +31 345 576 664 Tel: +44 (0)23 92201171 high, low and programmable RPM options www.hyps.nl www.goldenarrow.co.uk T: +31 (0) 512 571 550 www.whisperpower.com Steyr Motors Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo Austrian diesel engine specialist that Latest electric and hybrid marine propulsion Volpi Tecno Energia offers of a range of accessories including the technologies, components and solutions Italian manufacturer of gen sets for the marine Integrated Flywheel Generator (IFG) Tel: +44 (0)1306 743744 industry since 1933 electric power system www.electricandhybridmarineworldexpo.com Tel: +39 040 231715 Tel: +43 7252 222-0 www.volpitecno.com www.steyr-motors.com Seapower Marine Authorised dealer and installation specialist for Kohler POWER MANAGEMENT the Cummins Onan brand in the UK US-based producer of marine diesel generators Tel: +44 (0)1473 780090 and small gasoline generators Dolphin Charger www.seapowermarine.com Tel: +1 800 544 2444 French designer and manufacturer of advance- www.kohlerpower.com technology battery chargers for the recreational Hallberg-Rassy and commercial marine markets Swedish producer of blue-water sailing yachts Mase Generators Tel: +33 (0) 450 272 030 Tel: +46 (0)304 54 800 Italian manufacturer of power systems offering a www.dolphin-charger.com www.hallberg-rassy.com

www.ibi-plus.com International Boat Industry | JUNE – JULY 2017 73