Port Utility Vessel and Test Platform with Hybrid Drive System
Product Supply | Installation | Service
Project name: Battello Ibrido Innovativo Modulare (BIIM)
The project was preceded by the winning of a European tender co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund 2014 – 2020 and managed by Filse - Liguria Region.
Project partners: Duferco Engineering, VULKAN Italia, Names, Costruzioni Navali Tigullio Castagnola, BluEnergy Revolution e I.MAR.S.
Basic Idea:
The basic idea is the realization of a diesel-electric hybrid drive system with the following characteristics:
- Modular and scalable, depending on the different requirements of the ships and their design
- Compact system for an innovative and sustainable sailing
These are both features that make it easy to convert the traditional diesel drive to a hybrid drive, even on existing boats.
Based on the expected boat characteristics, as a small prototype and with the aim of traveling up to twelve knots, the VULKAN team investigated a parallel hybrid propulsion solution.
The batteries are charged in the harbour. BIIM is ready to sail. The cockpit is functional and clearly laid out.
Challenge:
Solution:
VULKAN has designed an innovative diesel-electric propulsion system for the vessel that allows both, a traditional diesel propulsion (2 x 100 kW diesel engines) and a fully electric propulsion mode (2 x 30 kW electric motors). The innovation is at the heart of the entire project: The two electric motors are powered by salt batteries and fuel cells.
Advantages:
The system enables a dual operating mode in addition to the traditional diesel drive: all-electric drive mode with only battery-powered electric motor and conventional diesel drive, with the electric motor acting as a generator that charges the batteries and thus increases the efficiency of the entire system.
The all-electric mode guarantees quiet and emission-free operation.
The BIIM was launched in March 2023 and has been in operation in the Mediterranean since then.
Technical Data of the BIIM:
Innovation and Sustainability:
Castagnola Yacht has developed a composite hull made of wood and natural fibers (100 percent recyclable) based on Names‘ design: The use of natural fibers and resins also makes the external waterproofing (WTS) of the structure environmentally friendly. Salt batteries were chosen (sodium nickel chloride), which are safe because they are non-flammable and 100 percent recyclable. The 45 kW PEM fuel cell is supported by a metal hydride system with a 100 kWh hydrogen storage tank, which is also 100 percent recyclable.
