There are more then a few examples, I will leave it as a google exercise for the truly curious. The problem is not one of scale but cost. a generator running at load is simply more efficient then a engine over or under its power band. Which it would be most of the time boating. The reason that larger ships almost always use Diesel-electric is that they can afford to spend double on the engines (large generator(s) and electric drives) up front because the boat will be in continuos use and will quickly recoup the cost in gas savings very quickly. On a pleasure craft few travel enough to recoup the cost in a reasonable time.
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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