New shifting clutch combination for hybrid tugs

摘要

Coupling manufacturer Vulkan recently introduced its new coupling TDS Plafrix, which has been specially developed for use in hybrid tugs. Growing environmental awareness in recent years as well as the economic imperative to save energy have become key factors in the maritime industry. For harbour tugs in particular, a feasible solution appears to lie in their special operating profile. In most diesel-driven tugs, the main engines operate at maximum power for only 2% of their service life and at less than 20% of nominal power about 80% of the time. Moreover, these tugs usually spend most of the time at pier and therefore seem almost predestined for hybrid propulsion. With a combination of electrical power for low-load operation, and the full power of diesel engines, smaller engines consuming less energy can be used. They can be operated most of the time at their design point, where combustion is optimised and pollutants in exhaust gases are minimised.