By
Alice Chambers |
Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division will power the UK’s first two hybrid high-speed passenger ferries, which will join Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ fleet in autumn 2022.
The Editron division will provide the vessels’ hybrid-electric propulsion systems, complete high-voltage direct current distribution and control system, motors and inverters.
The ferries will sail using electric propulsion only, or power from biofuel engines combined with the battery energy from the main driveline machine, reducing fuel consumption. The biofuel engines will use excess power to fuel the onboard air-conditioning supply and charge the batteries, with the option to pump energy stored in the batteries back into the main propulsion line.
“Cities and countries are increasingly turning to electrification solutions for their near-coastal vessels, not only to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but also to increase operational efficiency,” said Erno Tenhunen, marine director at Danfoss’s Editron division. “The global potential for this electric conversion is also supported by technological innovations and a steady decrease in battery prices, enabling projects to achieve attractive payback times for ferry owners.
“Regardless of the onboard energy storage, whether batteries, hydrogen fuel cells or other technologies, we have the solution for integrating it into our direct current system and converting the energy into the electric propulsion machines. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Wight Shipyard Co and SEC Marine to help cities decarbonise.”
The vessels are currently under construction at Wight Shipyard Co. on the Isle of Wight.