Kumera gearboxes for Hybrid propulsion systems

Norgear ‘step-up’ gearboxes, can be found aboard a large proportion of the world’s fire fighting tugs, mounted on the front end of main engines to drive fire pumps and, where necessary, hydraulic pumps.

Kumera Norgear are now offering ‘Norgear Hybrid gears’ designed to provide a hybrid propulsion solution which meets many of the common requirements regarding lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, lower noise levels and improved redundancy. The new product is a single gearbox with the input shaft coupled to each main engine and providing three output drives, one to power the propulsion unit, one coupled to an electric motor/generator and a third power takeoff that can be used to power a fire pump, cargo pump or hydraulic pump. The Norgear Hybrid gears are available with and without auxiliary drives for FiFi, hydraulic pumps etc. Built in multi-disc clutches with soft engagement come as standard.

In the Kumera Norgear proposal the gearbox will form the basis for a complete diesel-electric-battery hybrid installation comprising diesel main engines, any form of azimuth drive, Voith unit, controllable pitch propeller, motor/generators, auxiliary generators, battery pack and power management system.

In the proposal illustrated, five modes of operation are possible:

· Main engine (diesel) drive.

· Electric drive with current supplied by generator sets and/or battery pack.

· Power boost with main engines and electric drive for maximum power.

· Electrical power supply from generator sets or main engines for battery charging or other use.

· Auxiliary drives from each main engine or from generator sets.

Kumera says that the proposed system satisfies ECA requirements allowing versatile operation in more geographical areas. It improves on present and future design requirements (IMO/EU) and meets main contractors’ and operators’ demand for ‘green profiles’. Access to official financing and tax refund (related to Nox) is now available in some markets.