I was at the boat show in Annapolis and was making rounds of diesel engine manufacturers to get the latest diesel data. Beta was showing a small hybrid. The construction may be of interest in this group. They have taken a standard diesel(sizes 13 to 56 hp) with a hydraulic transmission and added an electric (10KW motor 5kw 48v generator (only choice)) at the output end of the drive train. this combination is coupled to the prop shaft using a spider type clutch/coupler that can be remotely used to disconnect the prop shaft from the engine. the Transmission is a 2.6:1 or higher to better match the prop needed for electric power. The electric is belt drive connected to the output shaft of the transmission. This arrangement provides the choice of diesel (motor off or in reduced charging mode)or electric motor propulsion (diesel off transmission in neutral electric motor running), operation as a diesel generator without propulsion (prop shaft disconnected), and potentially regeneration through the propeller (diesel off transmission in neutral electric motor set to generation). When questioned about the viability of propeller regeneration a paper published in Europe about using a 17 inch feathering propeller that was prevented from fully feathering to be used as for regen prop was produced. (I recognized the prop and it was in the "if you have to ask you can't afford class"(as much as many have spent on motors and batteries combined)The 17 inch does not fit many of the boats here either.
The system inside was only 6 or 7 inches longer than the standard diesel/transmission set up. Interestingly they kept the standard diesel alternator to charge the separate starting batteries for the diesel and balance the belt drive for other engine accessories.
I did not ask the price but obviously expensive.
It might be an interesting concept if you are replacing a working diesel that has a suitable transmission.
Larry
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