La Spezia-based shipyard Baglietto has announced it will install a new hybrid propulsion system on its yachts from 2025 in partnership with Siemens Energy and CGT.
The hybrid propulsion system will be installed on hybrid propulsion T52 and DOM 133 yachts starting in 2025, with all components already certified by the Lloyd’s Register. The new system will be fit for mounting on vessels built with the Bzero hydrogen-based technology.
The new system, developed by Siemens Energy in cooperation with Stromag and Lucchi Motori, consists of a Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesel endothermic engine and an ultra-compact hybrid unit. It integrates a low-consumption clutch and a 180kW high-efficiency electrical machine in a limited space.
The electrical machine has a dual function: it works as an electric propulsion motor and as a shaft generator system to optimise consumption. The entire system is then managed by Siemens Energy BlueDrive Eco, a propulsion control system.
Baglietto CEO Diego Michele Deprati commented on the news: "The new system will implement a hybrid-parallel propulsion architecture, ensuring maximum flexibility, compact installation and on-board comfort, as well as improved mechanical and electrical efficiency."
The system allows owners to cruise in diesel mode, diesel shaft generation mode (without the gensets), electric-diesel mode (with the gensets only), and full-electric mode. In the former two, the Caterpillar C32 ACERT main engines are compatible with the use of diesel fuels obtained from 100 per cent renewable energy sources, like HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) and synthetic diesel fuels (e-diesel).
In diesel-electric mode, the combination of a conventional diesel genset plus variable-speed diesel genset enables the yacht to cruise at speeds of up to nine knots using bio-diesel fuels, thereby optimising consumption and saving main engine operation hours. Meanwhile, in full-electric mode, lithium ion battery packs with prismatic cells allow for long range values in zero emissions mode, with longer periods at anchor.
Deprati added: "Once more, Baglietto shows its determination to explore new, innovative paths in the implementation of alternative energy sources. And, in doing so, it moves one step closer to the goals already set with the Bzero system, aimed at reaching truly sustainable yachting."
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