Full power from Italian hydraulic drive
An Italian company has introduced a hydraulic propulsion system that offers great flexibility in the way that it can be operated as well as claimed improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions.
Hydraulic propulsion has been used in the past but with new technology and design, the systems have been brought up to date to offer considerable benefits to workboat operators.
In developing this hydraulic propulsion system Hydropack can offer it for use with a range of modern diesel engines that conform to the latest standards for emissions and efficiency. The hydraulic pump is coupled directly to the output shaft of the engine and the hydraulic system has been designed so that in addition to providing propulsion power it can be used for electricity generation, powering pumps and operating auxiliary equipment such as winches and cranes. This means that the one diesel engine can power all the equipment on board leading to economies in the requirement for diesel generators etc.
For propulsion there is also flexibility. One engine can be used to power a single shaft or the output from the one engine can be used to power two or more shafts. In the same way the output from multiple engines can power either a single shaft or multiple shafts. In this way the propulsion can be tailored precisely to the operating requirements. Further flexibility can be gained by installing one larger and one smaller diesel engine to create a system which would allow the most suitable engine for the required propulsion to be selected to power the system. The hydraulic propulsion motors can be coupled to every type of propulsion unit from conventional shafts to pod and stern drives. Hydropack also offers its own simple to install propulsion unit as well as the hydraulic propulsion motors.
For the diesel engines in the system, these operate at constant speed so that they can be tuned for maximum efficiency at this speed. This is claimed to lead to significant fuel savings and a considerable reduction in emissions and smoke. In addition to reduced maintenance costs the system can extend engine life considerably. The engine can also be installed at any convenient location in the boat.
Hydropack supplies its own engine control system which is electronically operated. This optimises the engine output to match demand and also controls the load sharing systems for the auxiliary systems. Vessel control is also improved with the Hydropack system because the propeller can operate right down to zero rpm.
Further information: www.aslabruna.it
By Dag Pike
