Calypso is fitted with a very exciting piece of kit - a diesel electric hybrid engine from Hybrid Marine . The idea of this is that we should be able to use the electric drive for most of our motoring needs - silent and pollution free, with the large bank of batteries necessary being topped up by a number of different methods; the solar panel, the wind turbine or the propeller when the boat is sailing. The generation from the propeller is fairly experimental on a sailing boat and we've had a few teething problems with this side of things. With too little pitch (that's the angle of the blades, in case you were wondering) the regeneration mode simply didn't work, too much pitch and the regeneration mode worked fine, but the engine stalled when being motored in reverse. So, last week Calypso was hauled out of the water once again so that Darglow, the propeller manufacturer could change the pitch again. Hopefully by trial and error we will find the perfect compromise between propulsion and regeneration.
Fingers crossed!
It is a good thing that you decided to go with the hybrid engine. It’s not only a good accessory, but also presents a lot of advantages for your boat. You can save on fuel by harnessing the wind power through the turbine, and it is also safe for the environment. I’m sure “Calypso” likes his new accessory, too!
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