Electric motors for marine propulsion. The power of Kolmer
For a few years now the shipping industry has experienced innovation. Currently, and in various fields, the focus is on green. Whether it concerns exhaust aftertreatment, LNG, completely adapted forms of propulsion or fuel addition. As far as propulsion is concerned, there is a transition to the electrical variant. Traditionally, diesel engines were used for the main propulsion of the ship. In the last few years we have seen a transition to diesel-electric propulsion.
The electric motors required for the electric propulsion of a boat can be divided into three groups: The standard motor driven by a gearbox or propeller shaft, a hollow shaft motor with a water-cooled sheath mounted on the propeller shaft or an integrated electric motor in a V-pod drive system that runs under water.
The benefits of diesel-electric propulsion
Many variants of an electric motor come to mind for electric propulsion. The transition to diesel-electric propulsion of ships and yachts in inland navigation offers a number of advantages:
- High-power can also be achieved through low power.
- Combined motors offer greater reliability.
- The motors are excellent for speed control and are particularly efficient even at lower speeds.
The development of the V-pod drive system
The V-pod drive system is the latest development in the field of electric propulsion. The development of this ingenious system has begun and it will continue to be perfected in the years to come. A lot of research is being done into new materials, so that even smaller installations can be built in the future.
With the V-pod drive system, the propeller shaft is indirectly connected to the electric motor by a planetary gear set. The V-pod can rotate 360°, making manoeuvring so much easier. The system also lends itself perfectly for the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), so that the ship can easily remain in place.
From diesel to electric sailing
Whereas the emphasis is now mainly on a combination of diesel-electric propulsion, the demand for electrically powered vessels is growing steadily. A good example are the canals of Amsterdam where boats powered by diesel engines will no longer be allowed in a few years’ time. The V-pod drive system is thus a true turning point in the propulsion industry. A turning point that we, at Kolmer Electric Motors, would like to share and participate in. We would like to share our thoughts with you from the beginning of the process so that we can arrive at a concept together.
Would you like to know more about the many options we can offer regarding electric propulsion for ships? Do you have a specific question or are you curious about all that we can do for you? Please feel free to contact us without any obligation. We are happy to help you.