switching from diesel to electric propulsion

[xiam8992]

switching from diesel to electric propulsion.
if anybody is interested, here is my instagram blog:
https://www.instagram.com/sailing.mirija/

[xiam8992]

I'll dump some of the blog's information here:


scope of the project:
- obviously, ditch the diesel
- electric propulsion capable of 5-6 kts cruising speed
- battery capacity allowing for a range of 25-30 nm @ 4-5 kts
- reliable geny for extended range
- use roof and bimini for solar




approach:
- engage an experienced counsellor: Hendrik Heimer @viator_marine
- have the electric layout done by the best expert available: Michael Körner @solbian.solar
- source as much as possible from one supplier: @viator_marine
- have skilled hands to carry out the tricky parts: @aktiomarina



main components and suppliers:
- project counselling and supplier of all components (but solar): @viator_marine
- general electric layout and supplier of solar components: @solbian
- electric motor Sailmaster 15w by @bellmarine_nl
- batteries and bms by #mgenergysystems : 4 pcs of MG LFP Battery 25.6V/280Ah/7200Wh
- electronic components by @victron_energy : Quattro 48/10000/140-100/100 and much more
- generator by @masegenerators_official : MASE VS10.5 VAC
- AC by @webasto_group

[SV_FlyingTigress]

Interesting project; thanks for posting

[daga]

I will watch with interest. Please post again when you have some experience with using the new system.

[250224]

Thanks for posting. Perfect for a coastal holiday vessel but

Originally Posted by xiam8992

- battery capacity allowing for a range of 25-30 nm @ 4-5 kts

likely kills it for a decent cruiser.

Would you be willing to post some rough price indication about what one has to expect for such a conversion (devices, counseling, etc.)? What was your motivation to do this conversion?

[xiam8992]

Moving In The MASE VS10.5 Generator ...
... was not exactly easy.

Requirements were:

i) placing in the centre of gravity,

ii) good access for maintenance,

iii) if necessary ensure quick and easy removal.

Consequently, we chose the motor bay.

To ensure access for maintenance we had to open some holes and split the covers of the geny to make them slide out easily.

Kodos to Vassily @aktiomarina for this idea.

[xiam8992]

Originally Posted by blu3534

Thanks for posting. Perfect for a coastal holiday vessel but likely kills it for a decent cruiser.

Would you be willing to post some rough price indication about what one has to expect for such a conversion (devices, counseling, etc.)? What was your motivation to do this conversion?

Regarding range: We kept the diesel tank, it's got a capacity of 150l. Using the generator, we will have the same or even better range than before.


As for the motivation: Our boat is a 38ft decksaloon, mainly cruising the med. Getting older and having a dog on board we wanted to run an AC. Hence the large batteries and the geny.



Costs: I might get back to this point.

[mako]

How many kWh do you expect to use at your designed cruise speed of 4-5 knots? Will you genset provide that much power, because the battery bank isn't very large.

[more]

Originally Posted by xiam8992

Regarding range: We kept the diesel tank, it's got a capacity of 150l. Using the generator, we will have the same or even better range than before.


As for the motivation: Our boat is a 38ft decksaloon, mainly cruising the med. Getting older and having a dog on board we wanted to run an AC. Hence the large batteries and the geny.



Costs: I might get back to this point.

Please clarified.
Removing bulletproof 10000-15000 hour lasting diesel engine price new around 3000€
on a place of diesel engine place diesel generator for 190000€ usually problematic setup

mounting very problematic on sea electric motor whit problematic electronic
for 10000€+
and buy 80 kwh pain in ass battery.
very good plan very trendy.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by xiam8992

I'll dump some of the blog's information here:



- battery capacity allowing for a range of 25-30 nm @ 4-5 kts

- batteries and bms by #mgenergysystems : 4 pcs of MG LFP Battery 25.6V/280Ah/7200Wh

Assuming you are willing to take the batteries down to 0% that means you need to be able to make 4-5kt on around 1.25-1.50hp. Calm water with a nice tail wind...maybe. Otherwise, expect a shorter range on battery, slower speed or running the generator a lot.

If you want to maintain at least 20% reserve, you are down to around 1hp available to meet your speed/range expectations.

I think it would make more sense to double or triple the battery bank and go with a smaller generator. With say 24kwh of battery bank, you could run at 5kw, maybe doing 4-5kt for 4hr for a 16-20mile battery range. If you know you will be traveling further, you could run a 3kw generator. Over 4hr, that would give you an extra 12kwh to get you up to 6hr at your desired cruise speed or about 24-30miles. After that you could continue on reduced power until the generator runs out of fuel.

Let us know how your range testing goes. Please include current, wind and wave conditions.

[xiam8992]

Originally Posted by more

Please clarified.
Removing bulletproof 10000-15000 hour lasting diesel engine price new around 3000€
on a place of diesel engine place diesel generator for 190000€ usually problematic setup

mounting very problematic on sea electric motor whit problematic electronic
for 10000€+
and buy 80 kwh pain in ass battery.
very good plan very trendy.

Glad you like our project.

[xiam8992]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

Assuming you are willing to take the batteries down to 0% that means you need to be able to make 4-5kt on around 1.25-1.50hp. Calm water with a nice tail wind...maybe. Otherwise, expect a shorter range on battery, slower speed or running the generator a lot.

If you want to maintain at least 20% reserve, you are down to around 1hp available to meet your speed/range expectations.

I think it would make more sense to double or triple the battery bank and go with a smaller generator. With say 24kwh of battery bank, you could run at 5kw, maybe doing 4-5kt for 4hr for a 16-20mile battery range. If you know you will be traveling further, you could run a 3kw generator. Over 4hr, that would give you an extra 12kwh to get you up to 6hr at your desired cruise speed or about 24-30miles. After that you could continue on reduced power until the generator runs out of fuel.

Let us know how your range testing goes. Please include current, wind and wave conditions.

Capacity is 4 x 7200 Wh = 28.8 kWh

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by xiam8992

Capacity is 4 x 7200 Wh = 28.8 kWh

That's a lot more reasonable then.

Still please share the test results.

[Anders]

15kW seems very small. Is that going to be enough? Say you are going up Lefkas canal with a stiff headwind?

[more]

Originally Posted by Anders

15kW seems very small. Is that going to be enough? Say you are going up Lefkas canal with a stiff headwind?

Thermal Energy of 1,5 liter of diesel fuel