No one has developed the controller for this in smaller sizes. Also, I think in small systems the fuel savings don't make up for the costs of the electric drive system.
The trick is to use any excess energy in a useful and needed fashion while keeping the diesel generator running in it's ideal power band, usually 65-85% of full speed (rpms.) However, a possibility would be a smart battery controller with remote generator start up (you can find these on some websites selling to the off-grid market.) Assuming you have a good sized house battery so you can sit in a nice anchorage and enjoy nature without a generator constantly running... Use the house (not starting) battery drive your motor, but have the charge controller automatically turn on the generator when the batteries hit some level, say 50% dept of discharge. Now if you've an efficient, preferably DC generator, that can provide full power to the charger and the motor, we're set. When you hear the generator start or see the indicator light come on, if possible, adjust boat speed until the generator is running at 65-80% of maximum rpms.
BTW hybrids are not diesel-electrics or gas-electrics, unless they are what one company calls an extended range electric car. Since in a diesel-electric system the diesel doesn't attached to the drive train, not even in trains. (Except one Canadian brand that has diesel/electric hybrid train engine.)
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Eric" <ewdysar@...> wrote:
>
> Sid,
>
> You're absolutely correct. Diesel-electric has been used for many decades and has proven to be more efficient than diesel alone. But there appears to be a problem of scale. Do you know of any specific examples of successful diesel-electric vehicles or vessels that weigh less than 100 tons?
>
> Fair winds,
> Eric
> Marina del Rey, CA
>
> --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "sirdarnell" <sirdarnell@> wrote:
> >
> > I keep seeing this. The military has been using diesel generators with electric engines since the 1930s (maybe earlier) to get more range. So it must be work. Not to mention trains, cruise ships, Ice breakers, freighters, etc.
> >
> > --- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Daniel Michaels <nov32394@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Unless you are going to supplement the generator with solar and wind or shore power I think you will get less range than by just using a diesel engine.
> > >
> > > Dan
> >
>
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