Partial Electric Propulsion Principle Applied to Low-Tonnage Boats

"Such solution will reduce fuel and maintenance costs, extend service life of engine and equipment, cut down pollutant emissions, and minimize noise and vibrations", Alexander Popov, head of designing department at Marine Technics, told Mil.Today.


According to him, the use of electric powerplant at low speeds is reasoned by the fact that 60% of operational time a boat either stays in standby mode or maneuvers at speeds below 6-7 knots.

"Combined operation of main engine and propulsion motor will increase maximum speed as well. Moreover, the powerplant may substitute an onboard diesel generator, which will save fuel and extend range", Popov added.

To operate one hour at speeds below 6 knots, propulsion motor needs a 1,120-kg battery. Its length is 86.5 cm, width is 71 cm, and height is 154.5 cm. The battery can be charged and discharged up to 300 times per day. Estimated service life is 10 years.


Valery Kiselev, an officer of Vympel special operations unit and FSB frontiersman explained that the speed of 6 knots was insufficient for special missions and border patrols.

"The advantage of electric motor over diesel in lower noise and vibrations is not so critical, as an opponent uses radars and other sensors to detect the threat. Sure, increased range and redundant systems are really important factors, but it would help rather FSB Coast Guard than any special operations", Kiselev said.

Head of the electrotechnical department of the Vympel ship design bureau Damir Umyarov says these technologies are very promising, but one should calculate operational economy at first.

"If designing and introduction of the hybrid powerplant, as well as its further operation on boats, would be cheaper than a diesel engine, it should be definitely incorporated", he stressed.

Today, the prototype powerplant with partial electric propulsion is 90% made of foreign components; however, experts of Marine Technics Group assure they are already working on their substitution with the Russian analogs.

"The technical project was prepared for ice-class utility boats ST23WIM-E displacing 70 tons and being massively produced by the company for Rosmorport", added Alexander Popov.

For reference

The partial electric propulsion system was included in Project 20386 corvettes; the lead ship Derzky is under construction at Severnaya Verf shipyard in Saint Petersburg. The corvette’s powerplant includes 2 x 27,500-shp gas turbine engines M90FR and 2 x 2,200-shp main electric motors.