These variable-speed marine generator sets are a standard part of Volvo Penta’s offering and allow shipyards to install hybrid-electric modular propulsion systems
According to the company, the move towards modular propulsion gives operators a reliable and adaptable system for emerging energy sources as variable-speed gensets allow for vessels with smaller battery banks which can be charged when on the move, making the switch to hybrid-electric propulsion more accessible and cost-efficient.
A typical installation sees a modular series of variable speed marine generator sets installed to power electric drives with or without battery packs. Volo Penta said the direct current grid system is easy to upgrade with alternative power sources, has fewer components and weighs less than batteries as the sole energy carrier, increasing the vessel’s efficiency.
Modular installation also allows the option of using the minimum number of engines to deliver the required power needed so the marine generator sets can run at maximum efficiency.
The marine generator sets are water-cooled to reduce noise and are IMO Tier III-compliant. Volvo Penta is offering the range with models starting from D8, 190 kWe and running up to 545 KWe for the D16.
Volvo Penta gensets are used on crew transfer vessels belonging to Danish operator MHO-Co (MHO Asgard uses two 515 kW D13 engines) and notably, Tellus, Sweden’s largest electric-hybrid ferry which has four D16 engines on board.
The manufacturer said all its diesel engines can run on hydrotreated vegetable oil 100 fuel – a diesel substitute – instead of standard diesel.
“By making our Volvo Penta variable speed marine generator sets more widely available, it takes us further forward in our journey towards more electric- and fuel-cell propulsion for the marine industry,” said Volvo Penta head of marine Johan Inden.
“Now, more vessels will be able to install modular hybrid propulsion systems ready to be adapted to future energy choices, while delivering important sustainability and fuel efficiency gains from day one.”
