Northern Lights introduces hybrid marine propulsion solution

Seattle headquartered Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI), is offering a hybrid marine propulsion solution that combines NLI’s Lugger propulsion engines with BAE Systems’ HybriDrive Propulsion System. The system uses a Propulsion Control System (PCS) to efficiently direct power produced from the electric generator for immediate use, or holds it in the Energy Storage System (ESS) to provide clean, quiet power without the engine, while the propulsion motor provides power to the prop. The system can be customized to fit a number of marine applications.

“The entire package is designed to be clean, quiet and environmentally responsible,” said NLI vice president Mike Maynard. “Our hybrid-marine solution eliminates wet stacking and will reduce both energy waste and fuel costs.”

Because its components are fully scalable, the NLI hybrid-marine system provides flexibility in engine room layout. It will run not only as a standard electric propulsion system, but can be configured into an auxiliary power kit to provide all of the ship’s service AC power without the waste and pollution associated with underloading. The hybrid system can be outfitted for accessory power for modern vessels’ complex systems of thrusters and winches.

Components for the hybrid-marine system will be displayed at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, in booth 750 of the Yacht Designers’ Tent. The system can be configured for specific vessel needs in the yacht and commercial markets, and the hybrid display and interactive video will demonstrate the capability and flexibility of this truly remarkable innovation.

October 27, 2011