Beta Marine Hybrid Engines

Beta Marine Hybrid Engines are integrated parallel hybrid power and propulsion systems for smaller seagoing vessels, developed by Beta Marine with Hybrid Marine. The hybrid option is available on seagoing heat-exchanger-cooled engines from the Beta 30 to the Beta 115T fitted with a PRM150 or PRM500 gearbox.

How it works

The conventional engine, gearbox, shaft and propeller remain intact. An electric motor/generator handles low to mid power propulsion (up to about 2/3 of maximum hull speed) from the battery bank. When the diesel runs, the motor/generator switches to generation mode and recharges the batteries; the added load also improves diesel efficiency. Under sail, the freewheeling propeller can drive the motor/generator to regenerate power, which can be reduced or disabled from the control panel. With the optional shaft clutch the engine can run as a stand-alone generator at anchor.

Configurations

• Single motor/generator (Beta 30 – Beta 62T): 10 kW electric propulsion; 5 kW generation (8 kW with optional boost alternators)
• Twin motor/generator (Beta 70T – Beta 115T): 20 kW electric propulsion; 10 kW generation (15 kW with optional boost alternators)
• Beta 115T is not RCD 2 (2013/53/EU) exhaust emission compliant and is supplied only for non-recreational craft up to 24 m

System components

• Master control box with push-button controller and display panel
• Battery bank: lead-acid, AGM or lithium (sealed batteries required for seagoing craft); inverter supply for domestic AC loads
• Integration of solar panels, wind generators and shore power

Range example

A 40 ft sailing vessel needing 4 kW for 5–6 knots with a 48 V / 200 Ah bank (4 × 12 V / 200 Ah) can motor electrically for about 2 hours at 5–6 knots; a larger bank increases speed or range.