Hybrid mk2
After three and a half years of operation the original hybrid needed a service, and it was found that one of the bearings in the electromagnetic clutch had failed, and although this was a relatively simple problem to resolve there was an opertunity to upgrade the original system to the new mk2 version.
The mk2 system includes a number of significant improvements on the original system which improve both the functionality and the performance.
New Motor Controller.
The hybrid uses a new motor controller which allows several features of the system to be implemented in an improved way. The controller allows the motor to be controlled by speed, which is ideal forpropulsion, or bytorque which is ideal for generation.
Lynch Motor Direct drive.
The system users the same Lynch motor as the original but the new motor controller allows this to be directly connected to the prop shaft without the electromagnetic clutch. Disconnection of the motor is now done electrically rather than via the clutch, this removes one electromechanical component and allows better control of the motor during generation and propulsion.
Control Housing.
The control system is housed in an aluminium case similar to those used by Victron, which is much more compact than the original and all of thvocable connections are now internal rather than on the outside of the case. The aluminium case also helps with the cooling of the motor controller.
System Display and Control Interface.
The system display is now a graphical colour unit with much improved display. However the control interface is now separate from the display, which allows it to be permanently mounted in any convenient position. The drive control can now be implemented in a number of ways, including
- separate buttons mimicking the original three button control.
- Three position toggle for forward and reverse and push button for stop.
- Combined control on the single lever engine controller
- Via radio remote.
Radio Remote Control.
To allow remote control of the electric drive when single handing the system includes an optional radio remote unit. This has three buttons which activate the electric motor in high forward, radium forward r high reverse. This allows the electric drive to be used to assist when entering or leaving locks singlehanded. This avoids lots of rope hauling, or climbing up and down ladders.
Improved Generation.
using the new motor controller torque setting allows much smother control of the generator load when running on diesel, this makes the system quieter in operation and more efficient at generating the maximum possible power at any given engine revs.
Pictures of the various components and more details of operation to follow.
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