Propulsion
seanseamour on January 03 2008 at 12:02 pm | Filed under: Propulsion
Looking, let alone seeking to implement some of the new technologies available to equip our sailboats today requires a phenomenal culture change as there are some major paradigm shifts under way. Consider batteries that will be able to charge 90% of their capacity in less than five minutes, this in a weight-volume ratio to to load capacity often half if not less than what we are accustomed to.
In the area of electric propulsion similar technology migrations have been accomplished. Below is an explanation, or rather a part thereof, of how seemingly small electric engines can perform better than the powerful diesels we are used to. The data is taken from David Tether’s website I invite you to visit http://www.electricmarinepropulsion.org , undoubtedly one of the pioneers of hybrid propulsion having first created STI. We will be borrowing from his experience in various areas.
How can those little motors replace a great big diesel?
Our 16 kw motor is less than 19 inches long (excluding the shaft), 11 inches wide and weighs 150 pounds. Its calculated horsepower rating is just over 20. Yet it can easily turn a 30 inch propeller that would choke a 50 hp diesel. How is that possible (more…)?
