A new proposal for the propulsion of a hybrid motor-sailer catamaran

The design of a pleasure motor-sailer catamaran is presented. In particular, attention is focused on the propulsion plant based on a hybrid Diesel-electric system in parallel configuration, which, under specific conditions, allows to sail smoothly resorting just to electric motors. This operational mode is particularly appreciated when the vessel navigates within environmentally sensitive areas. Noises and gas emissions can be easily lowered either when propellers are driven by electric motors supplied by batteries or when sails are used. Moreover, in order to increase the eco-friendliness of the yacht, a photovoltaic plant has been also foreseen. An in-depth evaluation of the energy needs for different service profiles of the yacht has been carried out, and consequently the various components of the Integrated Power System have been chosen taking into account both the ship design requirements and their effective availability on the market. Eventually, for different functioning configurations of the Integrated Power System, a fuel consumption analysis has been performed