25 MAY 2026 The correct approach is to focus on ensuring when the diesel is on it is loaded efficiently and use the battery to enable that and absorb any variations. The result, then, is to use the battery to handle peaks and resize the genset down. A 200-kW genset running near its efficient operat- ing point, supported by a battery that absorbs peaks and recharges during off-peak periods, will burn dramatically less fuel than the 500-kW unit it replaces—not because the battery did more work, but because the diesel is now op- erating where diesels work best. Further reinforcing those benefits, the diesel will now avoid wet-stacking and also reduce maintenance intervals, benefits that apply to parties besides just those paying the fuel bill. The fuel-savings figure we used to cite for this approach was 15-20 percent, or up to 30 percent. In other hybrid in- dustrial electrification applications, where SPOC has used these very same principles, some fleet wide savings are now averaging 80 percent. The mechanism is the same in every case: the added technology is there to support the engine, not replace it. This is also why we say, “it’s easy to build a bad hybrid.” A hybrid sized without an honest operational profile or built around the assumption that the generator will just be replaced with a battery, will under deliver. A hybrid sized around the genset’s efficient operating window, with the battery doing the shaping work, will not. THE OPPORTUNITY HIDING IN THE ARCHITECTURE There is one more layer worth understanding, because it is where a lot of the unrealized value sits. A battery is just a DC voltage source. To connect it to anything and make it do useful work, you need an invert- er. The inverter is what dictates how the battery actually behaves—what functions it performs, how and when it re- sponds, how it integrates with the rest of the system. Many people think the subject of DC power distribution comes up because batteries are also DC. The reality is that batter- ies make us start considering bi-directional power flow, as we start combining and orchestrating multiple loads and Face tomorrow with confidence. For nearly a century, we’ve been a trusted insurance, risk management and consulting partner for businesses, communities and people around the globe. Customizing programs and solutions tailored to your needs. Damon L. Nasman Senior Vice President Marine Department, GGB, Gallagher D: (206) 262-6375 | C: (206) 850-1525 E: damon_nasman@ajg.com AJG.com | The Gallagher Way. Since 1927. 24/7 support at every turn. ZF W340 Transmission indicates a ZF location indicates a ZF dealer 1.833.ZFWRENCH ZF Marine App Available on App Store & Google Play Visit the Global Dealer Network
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