Hybrid electric superyacht fitted with new scaled-down power plant
Baltic 142 Canova is billed as one of the most technologically advanced, high-performance sailing superyachts.
The 43.3-metre hybrid electric-sail superyacht Baltic 142 Canova is fitted with scaled-down electrical equipment, normally employed in much bigger vessels, from Danfoss Editron.
Such electric power plants are normally confined to larger vessels, Jussi Paakkunainen, the company’s technical manager, told Superyacht Investor. “Electric propulsion has been applied in maritime industry for ages. But the Editron marine system makes it available also to smaller-sized vessels that wouldn’t have enough space onboard for traditional diesel-electric propulsion system.”
Billed as one of the most technologically advanced, high-performance sailing superyachts, the vessel is equipped with DC distribution-based electrical power equipment and control for its two diesel engines. The power system includes two generators, a 420kW power take-off/power take-in propulsion motor and 16 inverters. Danfoss Editron has also supplied the electric drivetrains for the yacht’s electric winches and two DC/DC battery converters, which control the yacht’s lithium-ion battery systems.
‘Full speed with electric propulsion’
“The hybrid electric power plant delivers power to propulsion, bow thruster, winches and also to vessel AC distribution network; eventually powering up all onboard electrical consumers,” said Paakkunainen. “Going full speed with electric propulsion requires the vessel’s two gensets [which combine an electrical generator and engine operated together] to be active, but slower speeds can be achieved with silent and emission-free battery power.”
When under sail, the propulsion motor is operated as a generator; providing power to winches, to the vessel’s AC network and for charging batteries.
“The diesel-hybrid solution matches well with the continuously tightening regulation of vessel operation nearby harbours,” said Paakkunainen. “As battery market prices are coming down, the best benefits of hybrid solutions are achievable to vessel owners providing lower operational costs.”
‘Lower operational costs’
Kim Kolam, Baltic Yacht’s electrical department manager, added: “Delivering a diesel-battery hybrid superyacht in a lightweight sailing boat design with a lack of space was a tough challenge, which is why we had to optimise every detail to achieve a small enough footprint and weight. As well as the size and weight benefits, Danfoss Editron’s DC-link technology also meant that lighter cabling and less power-conversion equipment was required when compared with traditional AC distribution systems.”
The Baltic 142 Canova can carry up to eight guests in four cabins and is specifically designed for fast and comfortable long-distance cruising.
Deployed for the first time on a superyacht, a 9-metre sliding foil, which can extend a further 6.5-metre leeward, is said to improve cruising performance.
Meanwhile, last September Superyacht Investor reported that the Baltic 142 Canova had completed successful sea trials.
Baltic 142 Canova – at a glance
• Length overall: 43.3 metres
• Waterline length: 41.6 metres
• Beam: 9 metres
• Draft: keel up 3.8 metres
• Draft: keel down 6.5 metres
• Light Displacement: 145 tons
• DSS foil by Isotop
• Naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design.
