Volvo Penta has revealed it is developing a hybrid-powered Inboard Performance System (IPS) concept.
The announcement comes after the company stated it will provide electrified power for both land and sea by 2021.
“A hybrid provides a flexible solution, one that maintains the high efficiency offered by the IPS system and adds the ability to run in zero emission environments,” said Niklas Thulin, Volvo Penta’s director of electromobility.
“With full torque from the electric motor available instantly, the boat will maintain the responsiveness and controllability that IPS is famous for in electric-only mode, as well as offering the ability to run at 10 to 12 knots.”
Emission zones
The hybrid variant will allow boats to operate in low-and-zero emission zones and is also designed to bring additional benefits to users including lower noise, vibrations and running costs.
The IPS hybrid system is planned initially for the 8-13 litre engine range and uses hybrid technology first developed within the Volvo Group, which Volvo Penta is now adapting and certifying for marine applications.
A clutch and electric motor are added between the engine and the IPS pod; the motor is supported by scalable Li-ion battery packs that can be charged externally using AC or DC chargers or recharged using the primary diesel engine.
Opening of the clutch will allow the boat to run in electric-only mode, with the clutch closed diesel and electric power can be used in parallel.
A test boat is planned to enter sea trials in early 2020. The hybrid IPS will be available to commercial customers in 2021.
