reduce energy, enhance performance
Ultimate Hybrid upgrade
Huisfit offers a wide range of green solutions to reduce energy use and enhance superyacht performance. For owners of yachts with 20th-century technology, embracing hybrid technology with a Huisfit conversion delivers the ultimate propulsion and power generation upgrade.
Hybrid delivers exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits including silent operation, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption, together with enhanced operational flexibility and redundancy. As an example of its practical application, this hybrid system offers the potential of navigation in ‘zero emission’ zones.
Key benefits of Hybrid Technology
Hybrid delivers exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits including silent operation, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption, together with enhanced operational flexibility and redundancy. As an example of its practical application, this hybrid system offers the potential of navigation in ‘zero emission’ zones.
Royal Huisman is the shipyard that pioneered hybrid propulsion with the game-changing ketch Ethereal (the world’s first hybrid superyacht delivered in 2009) and has continued to refine its technological lead with the ‘NextGEN’ ketch Elfje and some remarkable projects including the hybrid conversion (by Huisfit) of the 1999 cutter Foftein and the 1993 ketch Juliet.
GREEN SOLUTIONS
Hybrid Evolution
The centerpiece of Juliet’s hybrid conversion is a new gearbox paired with a sophisticated electric motor/generator. This enables direct electric propulsion powered by the main engine, a high-performance battery bank, or a generator. Conventional shaft drive from the engine remains an option. The system also allows the main engine to supply the yacht’s 'hotel load' via the motor/generator, while advanced power management enables silent operation through the battery bank. Peak shaving from the batteries ensures smooth power delivery during high-demand moments like sail hoisting and maneuvering.
Electric thrusters replace hydraulic ones, and the battery bank supports ‘silent ship’ operation, including air-conditioning and hotel loads. Under sail, power is generated by the rotating propeller, fulfilling the dream of sailing quietly without the engine. Rapid battery recharging is achieved through the motor/generator driven by the main engine or generator. At anchor, the batteries replace gensets as the primary power source, reducing noise and pollution in serene environments. This system significantly reduces reliance on traditional generators, offering redundancy for both propulsion and power generation. The main engine’s generator is prioritized for recharging batteries after extended zero-emission operation.
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What they say
The hybrid system has been a great upgrade, decreasing fuel consumption while increasing redundancy for propulsion, maneuvering, and electrical distribution. We were amazed on the initial sea trials when it became clear that the hybrid system was fully operational and only required parameter adjustments.
- Captain of Juliet, Jonathan Allan
AFTER HYBRID CONVERSION BY HUISFIT
Peak shaving principle
The yacht’s power requirement is mainly handled by 1 generator which is sized to the average load. Short peaks handled by battery pack, low battery power forces second generator to kick in for short periods of time.
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What they say
Huisfit is leading the way by retrofitting older yachts like Foftein, first delivered in 1999, and Juliet, first delivered in 1993. Juliet had a hybrid engine fitted to reduce her emissions.
- Boat International.com, February 2022