Hybrid Plans From Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta has revealed details of a hybrid-powered Inboard Performance System (IPS) concept designed to enable zero emission running for marine vessels.

The IPS hybrid system is planned initially for the 8-13 L engine range and be suitable for powering vessels such as ferries, pilot and supply boats, as well as yachts. Volvo Penta said it uses proven hybrid technology first developed within the Volvo Group, which Volvo Penta is now adapting and certifying for marine applications, using its extensive boat propulsion experience.

“A hybrid provides a flexible solution, one that maintains the high efficiency offered by the IPS system and adds the ability to run in zero-emission environments,” said Niklas Thulin, Volvo Penta’s director of Electromobility. “With full torque from the electric motor available instantly, the boat will maintain the responsiveness and controllability that IPS is famous for in electric-only mode, as well as offering the ability to run at 10 to 12 knots.”

A clutch and electric motor are added between the engine and the IPS pod. The electric motor is supported by scalable (depending on application needs) Li-ion battery packs that can be charged externally using AC or DC chargers; or recharged using the primary diesel engine. Opening of the clutch allows the boat to run in electric-only mode, and with the clutch closed both diesel and electric power can be used in parallel. In terms of operation, the captain will use the familiar control interfaces of the IPS system, with the addition of new drive modes to choose from.

Volvo Penta said the modular nature of the battery packs will allow customers to tailor the design and performance of both commercial and leisure boats. More battery capacity offers extended electric-only cruising, and – with frequent external charging – the use of smaller diesel engines and lower fuel costs, the company said. With the electric motor and batteries maintenance-free – and the diesel engine operating for fewer hours – the cost of servicing should also be noticeably lower. Volvo Penta will continue to support customers in tailoring a prop-to-helm configuration based on the specific application needs.

The parallel hybrid IPS is currently in early-stage development, with the system being validated at the company’s test center in Gothenburg, and a test boat planned to enter sea trials in early 2020.

During this process, Volvo Penta said customer input will play an important element in developing the system for use in a range of marine applications. The hybrid IPS will be available to commercial customers in 2021, followed by a leisure boat option soon after. Over time this system will evolve into more hybrid technologies and all-electric drive variants, as part of Volvo Penta’s commitment to offering customers flexible technical solutions that best meet their needs, the company said.