T-Pain Is On A Boat: Re: [Electric Boats] 48v diesel/ 24

Monday, April 9, 2012

Re: [Electric Boats] 48v diesel/ 24

Nick,

For three years I used a Torqeedo 801 on my sailboat, usually at nearly full power for a half hour or so, sometimes as much as two hours with no problems with duty cycle. I now have a 48v Cruise 4 with their high pitch prop on my utility. I ran it nearly wide open, between 3.5 and 4 kw for 2.4 hours to win the Wye Island Electric Boat Marathon with no problems at all.

The usual reason for splitting systems in RV's and boats is to be sure you can start the engine if you run down the house bank by leaving load on too long.

Best wishes,

Ned

On Apr 9, 2012, at 5:59 PM, Nick Boersema wrote:

I am leaning towards using the torqueedo 24 volt. I have not heard anyone talk about duty cycle on the torqueedos does anyone have experience with long term use with the torqueedos? My designer feels the boat can be driven well with just one but even if I need to go to two it seems to me that a 24 volt system will open up a lot more appliances etc. because all heavy equipment and trucks are 24 volt. Any thoughts?
Also a small 24volt diesel should be easy. In this case is there any reason to split the system between house and drive if everything is the same?

Nick

From: electricboats@yahoogroups.com [mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Eric
Sent: April-09-12 5:04 PM
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Electric Boats] Re: 48v diesel battery charger information

I believe that Polar builds some marine DC generators that use DC alternators that are built for continuous high output, not "overclocked" (old PC term) automotive frame alternators like Zena. These systems cost about what you've already seen.
http://www.polarpowerinc.com/products/alternator/3500&6250alternator.htm
http://www.polardcmarine.com/cms/

If I remember correctly, Propulsion Marine is offering a DC generating system using a dedicated Motenergy PMAC motor and an advanced charging controller.
http://www.propulsionmarine.com/gensets/propulsion-marine-4-kw-diesel-generator
You can see that these units come with a diesel powerplant, and then a DIY system that could be added to one's existing diesel might become available later. These Propulsion Marine generators produce more than 4kW at 48V (nominal), and I did hear rumors of a 72V version. Call James at Propulsion Marine and he might be able to offer some other solutions.

Unfortunately, regardless of random member's analysis of why these units should be cheaper, I'm going to guess that any reliable marine DC generator in the 48V-144V range will be more expensive than an AC generator, primarily due to the limited demand and low production numbers. So I would expect that a Panda, Onan or Kohler AC genset of an equivalent kW output will be cheaper than what you'll find in DC or even what you'll be able to cobble together yourself.

That's just my opinion, but I'm aiming to set realistic expectations. And think of how awesome it would be for all of us if you can prove me wrong...

Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA

--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Michael Mccomb <mccomb.michael@...> wrote:
>
> thank you for the heads up on this.....
>
> the diesel 48v battery charger from AmplePower lists for around 15k...Â i am looking for a more "reasonable" solution...Â i like the Hatz electric start diesel.... could you recommend someone who could help configure such a battery charging system....
>
>