Conversion of Diesel-Powered Tug Boat to Electric Propulsion By Joseph Fleming – Chief Engineer, Elco Motor Yachts
Conversion of Diesel-Powered Tug Boat to Electric Propulsion
By Joseph Fleming – Chief Engineer, Elco Motor Yachts
41’ Steel Tugboat - built and in service on the New York State Erie since 1927
• powered by a large diesel engine
• Heavy air and water polluter
• High fuel and maintenance costs
• NYS Energy Research and Development demonstration Project
Specifications• 35,000 lbs – 15,875 kgm• 4-8 hour daily operation• 208 volt/50 amp, single
phase shore power• Barge generators
available when not docked – but not to be considered a primary source
1980’s Diesel
Helm station controls to the left and above wheel
Replacement Design
Batteries• 36 12-volt, 220 ahr AGM type
batteries hooked in series/parallel (3 banks of 12 in series hooked in parallel)
• ABYC standards with disconnects and emergency master disconnect switch
Battery Charger and AC Circuit Panel
• Single 5000 watt charger for overnight charging from 80% DOD
• Circuit protection in NEMA enclosure with Volt and Ammeter monitoring
Installation
Outcomes
Performance