New hybrid electric jet system offers low-noise propulsion

DeepSpeed Jet, a turn-key solution, sucks water in from the front and pushes it from the bow side to propel the boat. The energy for the electric motor is supplied by batteries that can be recharged on board by the FPT Industrial N67 570 EVO engine coupled with a generator or by the charging station when the boat is in harbour mode.

The new hybrid electric system is designed to maximize efficiency, silence, application modularity and flexibility. With the same amount of energy, the companies claim that the DeepSpeed Jet generates more thrust and speed than a propeller system, while consuming less.

Only cables run through the hull as the outboard system is positioned directly under the hull. This means that the system installation does not require bulky mechanical connections and interfaces that could limit flexibility.

As there is no need for transmissions and axles, there is more available space on board, giving shipyards the opportunity to optimize the engine room layout, boat design and internal layout.

By varying the number and size of battery packs and generators, boat propulsion configurations can be customized according to their intended use: a mainly electric set-up is preferable for short-range trips, while long-range operation would require more generators and less batteries.

The system can be run in various operating modes:

Cruising Mode: The boat starts in electric mode with gentle accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum efficiency, allowing smooth manoeuvring and low-speed cruising. When the cruise speed is reached, the generator steps in, supplying energy to the jet and recharging the battery.

Sport Mode: When the boat starts, the generator is switched on, with steep accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum performance. The generator and battery work together to provide the jet with maximum energy.

Full Electric: The boat starts in electric mode with gentle accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum efficiency, allowing navigation in protected areas and harbors near the city in a totally silent mode. The generator never steps in.

Long Range: When the boat starts, the generator is switched on, with gentle accelerator mapping and jet configuration geared towards maximum efficiency. The generator keeps the batteries 100% charged and supplies the energy to maintain cruise speed. The boat can exceed cruise speed for two minutes, then the system automatically returns to cruise speed.

On-board charging: The propulsion is shut off. If the battery charge drops under 50%, the generator automatically starts at minimum rpm and restores the charge.

Dock charging: The propulsion is shut off. The battery is recharged by the charging station when the boat is in harbor mode.

FPT Industrial and Sealence are also developing a new generation of marine batteries featuring an internal filling technology to make them totally fireproof and safe.

Last year, Sealence expanded its concept for an electric pod drive, developing larger versions after initially testing on small boats. The new 500kW unit, the DS780 will develop 1500Nm of torque and will produce a peak power thrust equivalent of 780hp. A smaller unit is also in development with a power rating of 220kW and a torque rating of 560Nm which will be the equivalent of a 420hp unit. The Motorship reported on the development here.