MAN hybrid propulsion for Turkish tanker

The diesel-electric hybrid propulsion package – which combines a diesel engine with a shaft alternator/motor driven by a bi-directional frequency converter – includes power take out and take home capabilities. MAN will also supply a MAN 6L32/44CR common-rail main engine, a MAN Alpha Kappel propeller and a selective catalytic reduction system. The newbuilding will be delivered in September 2017.

Lex Nijsen, head of four-stroke marine, MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: “For many applications, a hybrid propulsion system is a good choice, especially when flexibility, performance and efficiency are prized. HyProp ECO is a flexible and powerful system with low first-costs that offers a real alternative to a purely mechanical propulsion solution, while maintaining its benefits.”

Developed jointly by MAN and variable-speed AC drive specialist Vacon, HyProp ECO employs frequency converters of just 30% of the installed alternator/motor power, even up to full PTO power. This enables the propeller and main engine to run at variable speed and makes the PTO the most economic source of electricity even at slow ships speeds.

A converter bypass means the system suffers no electrical losses when the unit is not in operation. Installed genset power can also be kept low as the converter allows a smooth start of the shaft machine in PTH-mode without a big voltage drop at the main switchboard.