Global Marine Hybrid propulsion market growth and industry

Marine transport is the backbone of international trade. As per the data revealed by the International Chamber of Shipping based in United Kingdom, nearly 90% of the total volume of merchandise trade occurs via sea route owing to its low cost compared to other mode of transports such as rail and road.

 

Moreover, nearly 2 billion tons of crude oil, 1 billion tons of iron ore, 350 million tons of grains, and 11 billion tons of goods are transported by ship each year and about 90% of the world trade is carried by the shipping industry. Thus, the surge in international trade boosts the number of cargo vessels and ships fleet and which in turn, drives the market for marine hybrid propulsion.

 

Marine propulsion is the mechanism or system used to generate thrust to move a a naval vessel across water. At present, 90% of the sea-going naval ship are diesel-powered. Still, ship operators are giving a preference to cut their fuel bills and reduce the environmental eect of their naval operations.

 

There are numerous benefits to electric motor propulsion including that it’s quieter, more efficient at lower speeds and less smelly. It’s also expected to lower overall costs of ownership by reducing or eliminating the needs for oil and transmission fluid changes, filter and impeller replacements and starter problems. There’s less to winterize too. Additionally, unlike diesel or gas engines, electric motors provide full torque instantly so boats get up on plane faster. Aftermarket conversions (which currently make up the lion’s share of the market) can use existing drive shafts and components so there is a cost-savings when re-powering.

 

A hybrid marine propulsion system is any combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor. Electricity can be produced by one or a combination of the following: a combustion engine generator, a wind generator, a towed water generator or solar panels. A purely electric solution with solar panels is enviable due to its zero carbon footprint and low operating costs and various takes on theses systems have been gaining traction on alternative energy vessels. Advances in both energy storage and solar panel technology have reduced costs and physical footprint making solar power propulsion systems more feasible for use on boats.

 

Hybrid propulsion improves the fuel efficiency of vessels with variable power demand such as tug boats, fishing vessels, and others. The main propulsion types of marine hybrid propulsion are diesel-electric, parallel hybrid, serial hybrid, full electric, gas turbine, and fuel cell.A diesel-electric propulsion system can employ a single engine to drive several propellers or several engines to power one or more propellers.

 

Hybrid and pure electric propulsion systems have proliferated within the automotive industry, hybrid or electric boats are beginning to gain steam. Still, the marine world is a relatively small niche market that tends to follow rather than lead other industries in terms of innovation. Currently only less than 2 percent of boats today are integrating electric or hybrid propulsion. This slow adaption is partly due to the unique issues of boating. Boats have a different frequency and variance of use than cars and the market has many segments (ferries, sailboats, small high speed planers, large distance cruising yachts, etc.) where boats are used differently, making it hard to build one solution to fit all applications. However, a few companies are trying to change all that.

 

Power and auxiliary sailboats are typically propelled by inboard or outboard engines using diesel or gasoline fuel. A growing appeal has been placed on electric motors for these purposes – i.e. pure electric engines powered by large battery banks. As with any new technology, there’s an adoption curve. The early adopters are the technologists, visionaries and tinkerers and they make up only about 15% of the market. In marine, these are distance sailors that need efficient sustainability and autonomy but they’re also ferries and water taxis that operate on bodies of water where combustion engines aren’t allowed. Then come the trailerable towboats, tenders and fishing boats as well as charter boats to fill the boating sweet spot of the 25-75 foot midrange power market.

 

Because e-propulsion is in its infancy in the marine market, available solutions are few and they’re expensive. So far, most electric boats have been slow and small and had very restricted range but that is changing. There’s also the problem of infrastructure, which is the same for automotive: What is the range of these new vessels and where do they recharge? Just like a Tesla that you’d probably not take on a cross-country road trip, a boat may need charging stations close together to “fuel” quickly.

 

The marine hybrid propulsion is a combination of a battery-powered propulsion system along with alternate fuel such as diesel and liqueed natural gas (LNG) utilized during propulsion of the naval vessels. Marine hybrid propulsion systems are gradually emerging as one of the most preferred clean propulsion systems globally and are being used in several vessel categories. One of the major advantages of using hybrid propulsion systems is their clean and efficient mechanism, which significantly lowers emissions as compared to conventional propulsion systems. Features such as silent maneuvering, emission-free operations, and lower degrees of fuel consumption have prompted vessel and towage operators to invest in this technology.

 

The main applications of marine hybrid propulsion market are in offshore vessels and navy applications. Offshore patrol ships are good examples of ships that are equipped with the hybrid propulsion system. Patrol ships can be operated at low speeds by the electric motor and at a high power demand by the main engine. Moreover, Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels are good examples of offshore ships with highly flexible power demand and per consequence, different operation modes, and sailing speeds.

 

The current trend in Navies is moving to electric hybrid gas turbine propulsion plants, again improving efficiency and reducing the need to refuel, while increasing operational availability and performance.  The electric propulsion ship by using electric motor is drawing considerable attention because of great advantages such as high efficiency, silent operation, controllability and low life-cycle cost. Especially interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor are considered motor attractive option for wide range operation ability and high torque density.

 

Hybrid propulsion Technology

A hybrid vehicle can achieve propulsion using a fuelled power source for e.g. a diesel engine or through a stored energy source, which is a battery bank and electric motor. Hybrid propulsion systems can be differentiated between configurations, where the diesel engines and the E-motors work in parallel on the propeller.

 

The electric propulsion system consists of a prime mover which may be of two types:  Diesel driven or Turbine or steam driven both generate mechanical energy and drive generators. The propeller shaft of the ship is connected to large motors, which can be D.C or A.C driven and are known as propulsion motors. Power for propulsion motor is supplied by the ship’s generator and prime mover assembly. Both the systems produce less pollution as compared to conventional marine propulsion system, which involves burning of heavy oil.

 

Marine hybrid propulsion systems are designed to use two independent drive systems for propulsion: a diesel engine and an electric motor, where electric power is generally stored in batteries or a super capacitor. The system utilizes the unused capacity of the main diesel engine to generate electricity and store it in batteries for later use.

 

Use of brushless permanent magnet electric motors and advances in lithium ion battery technology have allowed for leaps to be made in the rush to marine electric. Lithium-ion batteries are half as heavy as lead-acid batteries and last three times as long, and advances in their effectiveness and stability have been significant.

 

German electric motor manufacturer, Torqeedo, teamed with BMW and “marinized” the automaker’s i3 and i8 Series batteries for use in a variety of boats. They added a rugged damping frame to minimize shock, a venting system to channel gasses safely and waterproofing to IP67 standard. The new batteries tout a 31% increase in capacity (energy density) over the previous similarly sized model and their footprint (roughly 5’ x 3’ x 6”) can be fitted into even the most compact engine spaces.

 

Serial and Parallel Hybrid Boats

Currently, two approaches are battling it out on the water – serial and parallel hybrids. The serial hybrid system integrates a range-extending generator. The engine drives the generator, which powers an electric motor connected to the driveshaft—there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the driveshaft. A parallel system has a direct mechanical connection between the engine and the driveshaft but also drives an additional electric motor that operates as a generator – on the same shaft.

 

Range-extending power regeneration may be accomplished by a free-spinning propeller, which is easy to do on a moving sailboat and can be accomplished by using only one engine at a time on a powerboat. UK motor manufacturer, Hybrid Marine, is offering a third option: a multimode system that combines the best of serial and parallel approaches with an arrangement of clutches and gears.

 

Fully Electric Marine Propulsion Systems

Torqeedo’s Deep Blue 100i motor is the first fully integrated inboard electric propulsion system, which is available in two versions – 2400 rpm for faster planing boats and 900 rpm for heavier displacement vessels up to 120 feet. The focus of the entire system, from helm to prop, is on safety and it’s expanded the target market in terms of size, speed and typical use of the vessel.

 

A comprehensive propulsion system is a complex combination of voltages and that makes things complicated on the water. For example, one inboard motor installation may include all of the following:

400 VDC for propulsion using automotive battery technology
110/240 VAC for hotel loads on AC
24 VDC for onboard electrics
12 VDC to “wake up” the larger batteries and generator/range extender
bi-directional switching between 24 and 400V networks

That’s a lot of technology to pack into space-sensitive hulls. It also adds complexity and cost.

 

 

Gearboxes for hybrid propulsion systems

Manufacturers of transmission systems are developing new clutches and gearboxes to meet the requirements of ship operators choosing hybrid propulsion systems for their new vessels. All major engine manufacturers have developed diesel-electric engines and are introducing shaft generators into their propulsion packages. More vessels are being powered via a combination of batteries, electric motors and diesel engines, with combined power feeding thrusters. These can be passenger ships, tugs, workboats, offshore support vessels and increasingly, merchant ships.

 

Katsa has extended its range to accommodate hybrid propulsion applications, adding power-take-off (PTO) gearboxes and clutches and hybrid gearboxes, among other solutions. “We are providing innovative technical products in demanding applications with our new hybrid gearbox,” said Katsa director of gearbox business Tomi Dewes. The unit combines input from a diesel engine and electric motor to provide power to thrusters. Katsa’s newest product is a hybrid PTO gearbox, combining diesel and electric motors into a vessel´s propulsion driveline. It is flexible, with an adjustable optimal electric-motor ratio via clutches and control systems.

 

This hybrid PTO gearbox can cater for engine power up to 1,300 kW and has a hydraulic clutch dynamic torque up to 16,000 Nm. It has independent oil circulation with pump and integrated oil sump, hydraulic clutch control system with proportional valves and a clutch protection system with a remote bridge control. These PTO gearboxes also have flexible gear ratios for optimal engine and pump revolutions.The range will continue to expand, said Mr Dewes; a version that could provide 2.5 MW of power to thrusters is due to be tested and Katsa also plans to introduce a smaller version of the hybrid PTO in Q4 2020.

 

Other applications of the Katsa PTO gearboxes and clutches include hydraulic pumps on fishing vessels, tugboats and workboats. These PTO gearboxes can be used for driving and engaging cargo pumps on commercial vessels or mud pumps in oil and gas applications. Katsa is also developing new winch gears and winch electric powerpacks, incorporating permanent magnet (PM) motor technology. For the marine and offshore sector, these could be used for demanding applications such as escort winches on tugs. In the Netherlands, Katsa has worked with ADS van Stigt in developing these technologies, including clutched pump-drives, thruster PTO clutches and vessel drivetrain dropboxes.

 

Reintjes has also developed an electrically driven hybrid solution for gearboxes which enable vessels to sail at slow speeds, below the main engine idle speed. The electric drive is designed to achieve smooth running, with less noise and low energy consumption. For easy installation, the combined electric motor and generator are already flanged to the gearbox. The complete system is supplied with a frequency converter.

 

Reintjes gears have been supplied to several inland waterway tugs in the US this year. Reintjes WAF 665 reverse reduction gear systems have been installed on a series of towboats built at John Bludworth Shipyard. These are 25.6-m long vessels with Cummins QSK38 main engines that are compliant with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 emissions requirements. The system turns four-blade Sound Propeller Services stainless steel propellers through WAF 665 gears with internal shaft brakes supplied by Karl Senner.

 

RENK has supplied power plant and gear systems to naval ships being built in Turkey, Spain and Pakistan. It is supplying power systems to four Ada-class, Milgem corvettes being built for defence forces in Turkey and in Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan. The first two of these ships are scheduled to enter service in 2023 and the other two in 2024.

 

 

Global Marine Hybrid Propulsion Market

The global marine hybrid propulsion market size was USD 3.93 billion in 2021. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.60 billion in 2022 to USD 9.99 billion by 2029 at a CAGR of 11.71% in the 2022-2029 period.

 

Shipping Industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Willis Towers Watson report 2020, there has been a drastic reduction of up to 50% ship orders in China and South Korea. Reduction in maritime trading has been impacted on the international supply chains due to the slowdown of major ports trade operation and delay of cargo service. Financial challenges are raised for ship-owners due to the certain fall in demand for shipping.

 

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the fall in the maritime trade is expected to be 32% during the nancial year of 2020. The demand for anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessel, yachts, motor ferry, cruise liner, small cargo ships, naval ships are decreasing due to the slowdown of trade activity. Marine hybrid propulsion is a prime system of a naval ship. There has been a direct impact on the market as the demand for naval ships are decreasing from the rst quarter of the nancial year 2020

 

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Marine Hybrid Propulsion estimated at US$3.5 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$5.5 Billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% over the analysis period 2020-2027.

 

Driving  factors

The key factors driving the growth of the marine engine market include growth in international marine freight transport, growth in maritime tourism, and increasing adoption of smart engines for situational awareness and safety.

 

Other factors that include prominently rising global population, rapid industrialization particularly in the Asia Pacific region, and liberalization of economies have significantly spurred the rate of trade activities between countries across the globe. The aforementioned factors are likely to further propel international trade at a rapid rate during the forthcoming years. Hence, the demand for cargo ships and containers that are required for international as well as regional transportation of raw materials and goods are likely to rise during the forecast timeframe. Further, the rising need for fuel-efficient and dependent ships are anticipated to prosper the market growth for marine propulsion engines in the upcoming years.

 

Increasing trade of resources such as coal, crude oil, iron, and steel is done through large vessels. These large vessels containing high-volume resources are driven through the marine hybrid propulsion market. In addition, continuous development in the marine industry along with growing ship owner preferences for high fuel-efficient features are boosting the growth of the marine hybrid propulsion market. Furthermore, marine hybrid propulsion not only offers improved fuel efficiency but also adhere to stringent environmental regulations.

 

The number of countries has adopted marine hybrid systems owing to the growing concerns about global warming caused because of fossil fuel. The system utilizes the unused capacity of the main diesel engine to generate electricity and store it in batteries for later use. This, in turn, has opened several doors of opportunity for the key players in the marine hybrid propulsion market over the upcoming years. On the other hand, increased the defense budget by various emerging economies, particularly for sea-based defense and maritime security and the gradual adoption of LNG over conventional marine fuels is expected to open new opportunities in the global marine hybrid propulsion market.

 

Growth in International Maritime Trade Driving Market

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Maritime Transport Report (2019), the global maritime trade is expanding at a rate of 4.1%, exhibiting the fastest growth since the nancial year 2014. The expected growth of maritime trade during the period of 2019-2024 is 3.4%. The report exhibits 16.95 % growth in the containerized trade, 28.8% growth in the dry bulk carriers, and 2.3% growth in the container ships. Arise in the demand for maritime trade has further increased the demand for marine vessels. The hybrid propulsion is an essential system of the naval vessels. Therefore the increasing demand for container ships for maritime trades is boosting the market.

 

Increasing Operational Performance of Naval Vessels is Propelling Growth

Shipyard management and vessel owners are continuously investing in marine hybrid systems to improve the operational performance of naval vessels. The hybrid system is minimizing the power consumption of marine engines. The fuel-driven marine engines are able to handle a static load of around 65-80% of the overall capacity of a naval vessel. The reduction in the operational performance of the diesel-based marine engine is due to the interruption of wind and tidal sea waves. Moreover, introducing a battery-powered storage system act as a backup unit of the propulsion system. This battery-powered storage system is used to emulate the external load of the marine engines and help to reduce fuel consumption.

 

Restraining Factors

High Development Cost of Hybrid Propulsion Restrict Market Growth

High development cost associated with the building of hybrid propulsion system is a prime factor ha mpering the growth of the market. Additionally, high maintenance cost of the hybrid propulsion system will also restrain the market. Dependence on heavy fuel as the primary fuel and high adoption rate of diesel-based propulsion system is likely to hinder the market in the forecast period.

 

Segmentation

On the basis of transport, the global marine hybrid propulsion market is categorized into inland waterways, coastal/cross-border waterways, fishing vessels, ferries, tugboats, cruise, cargo ships, and defense vessels. On the basis of end user the global marine hybrid propulsion market is categorized into cruise ships, defense vessels, ferries, offshore support vessels, tugboats, and a yacht. On the basis of application, the global marine hybrid propulsion market is categorized into commercial, logistics, offshore drilling and naval.

 

The different types of ships include anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessels, yachts, motor ferry, cruise liner, and other ship types and operates in various power ranges such as 0-300 KW, 301-500KW, and 501KW-800KW. It is used in commercial, logistics, offshore drilling and naval, and other applications.

Europe was the largest region in the marine hybrid propulsion market in 2021. The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa.

 

On the basis of propulsion type, the global marine hybrid propulsion market is categorized into a diesel-electric, parallel hybrid, serial hybrid, full electric, gas turbine, and fuel cell. Out of these, the diesel-electric segment was in the dominant position in 2020 backed by its ability to produce more energy in a naval vessel. The fuel-efficient technology of diesel-electric propulsion is a highly adopted propulsion system in naval vessels. The gas-electric segment is projected to register a higher CAGR by 2027 due to the increasing use of gas-electric propulsion in anchor handling tug supply vessels. By operation, it is segregated into a parallel hybrid propulsion system and serial hybrid propulsion system.

 

On the basis of power rating, the global marine hybrid propulsion market is categorized into 0-300 kW, 301-500 kW, and 501-800 kW. Based on the deadweight, it is classified into 5K DWT, 5K-10K DWT, and more than 10K DWT. By the ship type, it is divided into anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessels, yachts, motor ferry, cruise liner, small cargo ships, naval ships, submarines, ROVs, UUVs, and AUVs. Lastly, by installation, it is bifurcated into line fit and retrofit.

 

 By Operation Analysis

Parallel Hybrid Propulsion Segment to Exhibit Impressive Growth  On the basis of operation, the market is classied into a parallel hybrid propulsion system and serial hybrid propulsion system. The parallel hybrid propulsion system segment held the largest share the forecast period. This dominance is due to the increasing demand of this propulsion type in the heavyweight ships such as platform supply vessel and cruise ships. The serial hybrid propulsion system segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing use of this system in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) .

 

Serial Segment Corners a 22.9% Share in 2020

In the global Serial segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 5.7% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$603.5 Million in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$887.4 Million by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$772.6 Million by the year 2027, while Latin America will expand at a 7.4% CAGR through the analysis period.

 

Competitors identified in this market include, among others:  BAE Systems PLC, Caterpillar, Inc., General Electric Company, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., MAN Diesel & Turbo SE, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Niigata Power Systems Co., Ltd., Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC Siemens AG, and YANMAR Co., Ltd.

By Deadweight Analysis:  Increasing use of Naval Vessels will Propel Segment Growth

Based on deadweight, the market is segmented into less than 5K DWT, 5K-10K DWT, and more than 10K DWT. Deadweight tonnage is an accurate measurement of the overall contents of a naval ship, including fuel, crew, passengers, and cargo. The 5K-10K DWT segment is anticipated to project a signicant CAGR during the forecast period, attributed to the ideal deadweight tonnage criteria of 5K-10K DWT for naval vessels, in which a hybrid propulsion system able to operate easily. 5K DWT is a deadweight tonnage capacity of small cargo ships and naval ships. Additionally, more than 10K DWT is a deadweight tonnage capacity of the platform supply vessel, yachts, and cruise liner.

By Ship Type Analysis: Increasing Use of Anchor Handling Tug Supply from China Will Register a Remarkable Growth

In terms of ship type, this market is segmented into anchor handling tug supply vessels, platform supply vessel , yachts, motor ferry, cruise liner, small cargo ships, naval ships, submarines, ROVs, UUVs, and AUVs. The anchor handling tug supply vessels segment is expected to hold the  dominant share in the market. This is due to the increasing demand for anchor handling tug supply vessels from the emerging Asian economy such as China and India. Remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are operated on lithium battery-based marine hybrid propulsion systems. The adaptability of hybrid marine propulsion for yachts, motor ferry, cruise liner, small cargo ships, naval ships, and submarines is due to the large deviations in the load prole of thrusters.

By Installation Analysis

Increasing Adoption of Marine Hybrid Propulsion Technology in Merchant Ships to Enable Dominance of Segment Based on installation, the market is classied into line t and retrot. The line-t segment dominated the market and is further anticipated to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. This growth is owing to the increasing adoption of a hybrid propulsion system in merchant ships. The hybrid propulsion system can be easily installed in the naval vessel and propulsion system. The retrot segment held the largest share during the forecast period. Increase in naval vessel orders and deliveries, economic growth in Asia-Pacic, the need for fuel efficient power rating propulsion technology is augmenting the market.

 

Regional Insights

The marine hybrid propulsion market size in North America stood at USD 1.01 billion in 2019, attributable to the increasing procurement of oshore support vessels for the U.S. and Canada from the shipbuilding hubs of South Korea and China.  The Marine Hybrid Propulsion market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1 Billion in the year 2020. The country currently accounts for a 28.88% share in the global market.

 

The market in Europe is anticipated to be the largest market during the forecast period owing to the presence of key players in Europe, which includes BAE Systems, General Electric Company, and Rolls-Royce plc. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.5% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$1.1 Billion by the year 2027.

 

Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit healthy growth owing to the expanding shipbuilding industry in China and India.  China, the world second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$1.1 Billion in the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 10.6% through 2027. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 3.8% and 6.2% respectively over the 2020-2027 period.

 

In addition to this, key market players in Asia-Pacic are increasing funds, which in turn, will boost the market. Rest of the world registers remarkable growth during the forecast period accountable to the increasing spending on small cargo ships in crude oil industry from Latin America and Middle East & Africa.

 

Diesel-electric,  is projected to grow at a 7.3% CAGR to reach US$2.8 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After an early analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Parallel segment is readjusted to a revised 6.5% CAGR for the next 7-year period. This segment currently accounts for a 28.9% share of the global Marine Hybrid Propulsion market.

 

Key Industry Players

Innovative Research Ideology Implemented by Key Market Players to Aid Market Dominance The designing of fuel ecient hybrid propulsion systems and advanced lightweight materials for propulsion systems are the upcoming trends and forecasts in the market. A diversied product portfolio, coupled with the latest technology trends and secondary research methodologies accepted by key players, are the prominent factors boosting the market.

 

Manufacturers who have focused on this market include Torqeedo based in Germany that subsidizes electric motor research. Another contender is Elco from Athens, New York, which, like Torqueedo, offers both inboard and outboard electric motors. Also, we mustn’t forget the classic Minn Kota trolling motors that have kept anglers emission-free for decades.

 

Other players in the motor market include the Finnish OceanVolt, Italian Diesel Center, American Electric Yacht, and British Hybrid Marine. California-based Electroprop sells pre-packaged 6 and 21 kW systems that boat builders can drop into their existing engine rooms. Swedish diesel engine giant, Volvo Penta, is promising a 2021 introduction of electric motors installed inline between their diesels and IPS pods, and is working with French catamaran builder, Fountaine Pajot, on a Lucia 40 sailing cat with hybrid power. There are many players all searching for the killer app in marine alternative energy propulsion. It’s likely a few will survive while others are purchased or disappear in an increasingly competitive market.

 

By the year 2030, the global battery pack for marine hybrid and full electric propulsion market will reach a valuation of USD 600 million (approximately). It will be a notable increase from valuation of about USD 240 million in the year 2019. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) that the market will witness from 2020 to 2030 will be about 9%. Transparency Market Research notes, “High demand from marine industry to power diesel electric hybrid vehicles is set to contribute massively to the growth of global battery pack for marine hybrid and full electric propulsion market.”

 

Top players  in the marine hybrid propulsion market are ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), BAE Systems (The U.K.), Caterpillar Inc. (The U.S.), General Electric Company (The U.S.), MAN Diesel & Turbo SE (Germany), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Rolls-Royce plc (The U.K.), Schottel GmbH (Germany), Siemens AG (Germany), Steyr Motors GmbH (Austria), Torqeedo GmbH (Germany), Wartsila Corporation (Finland).

 

The Global Battery Pack for Marine Hybrid and Full Electric Propulsion Market is marked by presence of key players such as Corvus Energy, Eco Marine Power, Rolls-Royce plc, Nidec Group, and RELiON Batteries, among others. These are comprehensively profiled in the report prepared by Transparency Market Research. It is worth noting here that the market is consolidated and competition is intense. Currently, players are focused on reducing size of battery and improving performance.

 

 

Ideal Power Signs $1.2 Million Contract to Partner with Diversified Technologies on Demonstration of B-TRAN™ Enabled High Efficiency Direct Current Circuit Breaker

Ideal Power Inc. (NASDAQ: IPWR) (the “Company”), pioneering the development and commercialization of highly efficient and broadly patented B-TRAN™ bi-directional power switches, was awarded a $1.2 million contract by Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) to supply B-TRAN™ devices as part of a two-year, $3.0 million contract awarded to DTI by the United States Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The objective of the project is to develop and demonstrate B-TRAN™ enabled high efficiency 12kV medium voltage direct current (MVDC) circuit breakers for the U.S. Navy as part of their ship electrification program. The project is funded under the Department of Defense’s Rapid Innovation Fund, which is designed to accelerate the commercialization of high-value, high-impact technologies.

 

Ideal Power’s B-TRAN™ technology is an enabling technology for high-efficiency MVDC circuit breakers. The Company believes that the low conduction loss of B-TRAN™ is an improvement of more than 50% compared to conventional semiconductor power switches, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). In an MVDC circuit breaker, where the device is continuously conducting electricity and producing heat, the importance of the B-TRAN™’s low conduction loss is magnified and results in higher energy efficiency and simpler, lower cost and more compact thermal management. In addition, the fast switching speed of the B-TRAN™ can protect power distribution systems from faults 100 to 200 times faster than conventional mechanical circuit breakers. DTI intends to introduce a family of MVDC circuit breaker products incorporating B-TRAN™ as a result of the demonstration.

 

Ideal Power and DTI’s collaboration will help establish the viability of shipboard MVDC power distribution by delivering extremely fast fault interruption, low fault currents, flexible programmable coordination, and mechanical isolation, which are key factors to the reliable and safe operation of DC power systems. The U.S. Navy has stated a goal to electrify its fleet to increase shipboard power densities necessary to field more efficient ships with greater operational flexibility. The use of MVDCs in ship electrification and distributed DC networks would result in less vulnerable power distribution systems and naval vessels.

 

“Legacy circuit breakers have always been limited by their mechanical complexity, slow switching speed, and high conduction losses – all issues that are solved by the integration of our B-TRAN™ power semiconductor technology,” continued Mr. Brdar. “To date, the widespread adoption of DC distribution and transmission has been stalled by the lack of an efficient, low-loss, solid-state circuit breaker. B-TRAN™-enabled high-efficiency MVDC circuit breakers could potentially be utilized in various industrial applications, including medium-to-high voltage DC transmission systems and new electrical generation, such as solar and wind, that are DC-based. We believe B-TRAN to be a potential game-changer for distributed DC networks and will seek to leverage our collaboration with DTI for the U.S. Navy to establish inroads into the broader market for industrial and utility DC networks. According to a recent market research report from MarketsandMarkets™, the market for industrial and utility DC networks is anticipated to exceed $12 billion by 2024.”

 

 

 

 

 

References and Resources also include:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/marine-hybrid-propulsion-market-100128

https://www.boattrader.com/resources/hybrid-and-electric-boats/

 

 

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