ENGINES, TRANSMISSIONS & PROPULSION
THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE NEW HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM HELPS OWNER OF SUPERYACHT MIRABELLA III PRESERVE NATURE
A yacht refit is a bit like surgery. The goal is to cure problems, increase comfort, and extend the yacht’s lifespan and value. For Mirabella III, the benefits go even further with a custom-made, eco-friendly, hybrid propulsion system that allows her owner to cruise in complete comfort, while preserving the very nature he seeks to enjoy.
Mirabella III was built in 1994 by Concorde Yachts. Years of cruising around the Mediterranean left the 41.4 meter (136 foot) composite sailing yacht a bit worse for the wear, and ready for a major refit. Her owner enlisted the help of Marcelo Penna Yacht Design (MP Yachts) in Barcelona, experts in naval architecture and engineering with a proven track record in major refit projects.
The Mirabella III refit involved substantial remodeling, along with interior design and propulsion changes. “We installed new rigging and sails, did a full paint job,redesigned the complete aft interior using the best artisans in Barcelona, and installed solar panels on the bimini to power the battery racks — all while preserving the yacht’s original look,” explains Marcelo Penna, owner of MPYD.
Making green waves
Although the original diesel engine was still going strong, Mirabella III’s owner was keen to switch to a cleaner,
more responsive power solution MPYD developed a custommade hybrid propulsion system consisting of a Reintjes hybrid gearbox with an electric motor able to run in PTI and PTO mode, two sets of battery racks, a new Hundested four-blade controllable- pitch propeller, three Kohler generator sets with a total power of 145 kWe and a set of DC/DC converters. For operations requiring larger power demands, MPYD approached local John Deere marine engine distributor Transdiesel S.L., which supplied a PowerTech™ 6135SFM85 engine.
“The system’s electric mode enables silent running at low speeds,” explains Penna. “It is ideal for traveling overnight, for emission-free running in ports and marinas, and to provide a speed boost at full power when necessary. For longer distances and challenging weather conditions, the owner can engage the diesel engine. This flexibility to switch between pure electric, dieselelectric, and diesel power improves fuel efficiency and engine life and reduces the overall impact on the environment.”
“We understood the client’s desire to replace the original engine with a more powerful but equally reliable alternative,” recalls Gonzalo López de Eguilior, Transdiesel S.L.’s Marine Sales Manager. The 13.5L engine has a modern fuel injection pump system optimized for low emissions and low fuel consumption,
with high torque that provides good response when maneuvering.”
The hybrid propulsion system required a complete redesign of the engine room, but MPYD found this straightforward. “Transdiesel’s support has been magnificent: they gave pertinent advice and were quick to answer questions. The engine they proposed has similar mounting characteristics to those of the original engine, which saved us time and effort. And the engine has a great price- performance ratio.”
Below: The engine offers 559 kW (750 hp) at 2200 rpm, and drives a Hundested four-blade controllable-pitch propeller and a Reintjes hybrid gearbox.
www.deere.com August 2017 |
www.dockyard-mag.com | p33
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