Northern Lights Inc. the
Seattle-based manufacturer of marine-diesel generators, Lugger propulsion
engines and Technicold marine systems, says it is redefining the traditional
engine room with an unmatched hybrid-marine solution.
Northern Lights is combining its high-performance Lugger
propulsion engines with BAE Systems’ HybriDrive® Propulsion System. In service
in over 3,500 applications worldwide, Northern Lights says this is the world’s
most successful series hybrid. The system uses a Propulsion Control System to
efficiently direct power produced from the electric generator for immediate
use, or holds it in the Energy Storage System 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 myriad of marine applications.
“The entire package is designed to be clean, quiet and
environmentally responsible,” says Northern Lights vice president Mike Maynard
in a company press release. “Our hybrid-marine solution eliminates wet stacking
and will reduce both energy waste and fuel costs.”
Because its world-class components are fully scalable, the Northern
Lights hybrid-marine system provides far greater flexibility in engine room
layout, the company says. 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 even 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, Northern Lights says, and the hybrid display and
interactive video will demonstrate the system’s capability and flexibility.