The definition describes a hybrid-drive as a propulsion system, which consists out of two different drive-systems. For this purpose at least two energy converters and energy storages must be in use. Apart from some exceptions preferably combustion engines and electric motors are combined into a hybrid-drive.Dutch Veth Propulsions Technical Director Marco Huisman: ”The innovation on this new system is that two different drives are used. The Veth Propulsion hybrid drive offers a lot more solutions for drive profiles, because of its combination of diesel and / or electric motor propulsion. Both drives can be used within their optimal system effectiveness curve. This offers all benefits of a diesel electric drive without any disadvantages.   The hybrid drive features moreover an additional advantage: the asynchronous electric motor can also be used as a generator. In doing so it does not cost any additional fuel compared to a separate running gen-set which runs in low idle &nda... [More]

Reborn J-class yacht Rainbow will compete against three others later this month in a class-dedicated Falmouth, UK, sailing regatta. What’s so unusual about this big 140-ft yacht is its hybrid propulsion and power system, as we shall see. First though, the design concept. J-class Superyacht Rainbow: Photo courtesy of Holland JachtbouwThe classic yacht was launched earlier this year from Holland Jachtbouw’s yard in The Netherlands, based upon the lines of the original 1934 America’s Cup winner.The project’s naval architects Dykstra & Partners also partnered with deVosdeVries design on the interior. The original Rainbow (scrapped in 1940) was drawn by William Starling Burgees in the early 1930s whose design has now been incorporated into an all-aluminium yacht that meets the J-class Association maximum performance rules. The first Rainbow, a thoroughbred racing yacht had no engine room so there was not a great deal of space to accommodate one within the l... [More]