Hybrid gearboxes are gearboxes with two power sources driving the gearbox, either separately, or in combination for a boost effect. Most will relate hybrid gearboxes to having two “equal” drive shafts, i.e. for two different power sources.
A variation to this is a more traditional gearbox, with one main shaft, but with a Power-Take-In (PTI). E.g. an electric motor can then be fitted at the same location as a PTO, working as a second power source.
With a combined electric motor/generator, a PTI/PTO can be arranged, allowing the electric unit to change modes between driving (the gearbox) as an electric motor (PTO), or being driven (by the gearbox), as a generator (PTO). The latter can e.g. be used to charge a battery pack.
From the gearbox point of view, the two power sources can be any type of similar or different power source, e.g. diesel engine + electric motor, diesel engine + diesel engine, etc.
The main application for hybrid gearboxes are propulsion lines, having great fuel saving potential, resulting in an great environmental advantages, as well as savings in operational cost.
Kumera is your partner in developing a hybrid propulsion line, adapted to the vessel’s specific operational profile.
We at Kumera are happy to serve customers world-wide. Kindly do not hesitate to contact us in any gearbox related issues.
Gearboxes: Gneisveien 11, 3221 Sandefjord, , Norway | Email: sales.kumeramarine@kumera.com | Switchboard: +47 33 48 54 54
Propeller systems: Baklivegen 11-13, 6450 Hjelset, Norway | Email: helseth@kumera.com | Switchboard: +47 71 20 29 00