20 OCTOBER 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSION gplink.com Put Your Fleet at Your Fingertips pelling business cases to customers using this new technology,” said Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta. “We will take a full systems supplier approach helping our customers in the transition to the new technology. This will happen application-by-application, on the basis that the business case for switching to electric will differ across our many customer segments.” “This is the start of a long-term tran- sition,” he added. “Diesel and gasoline- powered primary drive systems will remain the most appropriate power source for many applications for years to come.” To do this Volvo Penta has restruc- tured its organization to accelerate the switch towards electrified power and has committed to an ambitious ramping up of its electrification invest- ment program. While the power outputs and ap- plications of the initial electric systems are confidential, the company has announced that both hybrid and all- electric solutions will be offered at the outset. Volvo Penta is already field-test- ing early prototypes and system valida- tion is under way. Hybrid Marine Propulsion Concept As part of its transition, Volvo Penta has a new hybrid propulsion concept for the marine industry in the works. Volvo Penta’s hybrid Inboard Performance System (IPS) propul- sion system will enable zero emissions operation for marine vessels. Designed to extend further IPS’s advantage, the hybrid variant will allow vessels to operate in the low-and- zero emission zones that are expected to be introduced in Norway. The hybrid configuration will also bring additional benefits, including lower noise, vibra- tions and running costs. The IPS hybrid system is planned initially for the 8-13 liter engine range – suitable for powering vessels such as ferries. It uses proven hybrid technol- ogy first developed within the Volvo Group, which Volvo Penta is now adapting and certifying for marine ap- plications. A clutch and electric motor are added between the engine and the IPS pod. The electric motor is supported by scalable (depending on applica- tion needs) Li-ion battery packs that can be charged externally using AC or DC chargers; or recharged using the primary diesel engine. Opening of the clutch allows the boat to run in electric- only mode, and with the clutch closed both diesel and electric power can be used in parallel. In terms of operation, the captain will use the familiar control interfaces of the IPS system, with the addition of new drive modes to choose from. The modular nature of the battery WINDOWS DOORS HATCHES CEILING & WALL PANELS ACOUSTIC FIRE RATED WEATHERTIGHT WATERTIGHT WOOD & METAL HONEYCOMB VINYL & RESIN FLOORS MARINE FLOORING SYSTEMS CABIN & GALLEY FURNITURE Pointing to Perfection Director: Steve Hadik (207) 841-5083 shadik@psmaritime.com | www.psmaritime.com