ASV C-Worker fitted with Fischer Panda

These were limited to 48vDC systems and even MD Barry Fower admits the system was complicated and care was needed with installations to avoid performance issues. onsiderable research and further field based development has meant the system has now evolved into a much more user friendly ‘plug and play’ solution which says Mr Fower has become extremely popular with workboat builders.

The latest installations are with South Coast based Autonomous Surface Vehicles for its newly developed multi-role offshore unmanned surface vehicle (USV), the C-Worker. So far two of the 6m craft have been built, both of which have twin 10kW Aziprop drives with a 48vDC battery bank together with two compact Fischer Panda AGT 48v DC variable speed battery charging generators.

The craft has a 30-day endurance capability at an average speed of four knots and can be used for precise subsea positioning, surveying and environmental monitoring without the need for a ship on station or sea-bed anchoring. The vessel has been designed to operate in high sea states, is self-righting and designed with fully redundant power and propulsion systems.

It is capable of carrying payloads of up to 500kgs making it suitable for different applications. The complete propulsion and generator system, as well as C-Worker’s on-board electronics, are remotely controlled and monitored via line of sight communications or satellite to the mother-ship or shore base.

“The C-Worker represents a new way of working, enabling customers to operate safely in the most challenging environments, reducing the risk to personnel and saving costs,” said ASV MD Dan Hook.

“Working closely with Fischer Panda has enabled us to realise operational efficiencies and ultimately deliver the best solution possible to our customers.”

The Fischer Panda ‘Whisperprop’ series is now offered as 10kW and 20kW systems at 48vDC with larger systems of 30kW and 50kW available at 288vDC. The kW power levels are thrust on the shaft with all systems available in shaft motor direct drive, Aziprop direct drive or parallel hybrid versions.

“We believe there are real opportunities for the Whisperprop diesel hybrid direct and parallel drive propulsion systems in the small vessel commercial markets,” said Mr Fower.

“The system is particularly suited to vessels that need to work in low speed, high manoeuvrability situations as the electric drive delivers high torque power at low rpm. They are also extremely efficient, compact and quiet, delivering real tangible savings on conventional propulsion systems.”

He added: “Engine fuel consumption, wear and tear and maintenance costs can be greatly reduced by not running large engines at low rpm for long periods; these saving also do not take into account the environmental benefits of the hybrid system.”

By Katina Read