PART 1: Designing and Building Green Sailing Catamarans    • Part 1: Designing and Building Green ...  
PART 2: Hybrid Propulsion Systems    • Part 2: Pros and Cons of Hybrid Propu...  
PART 3: Balance Integrel Partnership & The New E drive    • Part 3: Balance Integrel Partnership ...  

Welcome back to Balance Catamarans! In this video, Phil Berman dives into the complexities of hybrid propulsion systems for catamarans, exploring the pros and cons of different configurations.

Despite the growing interest in green, fossilfree sailing, the dream of operating an allelectric voyaging catamaran remains impractical with current technology. Lithium batteries lack the energy density required for longdistance motoring, making diesel power essential for extended voyages.

At Balance, we advocate for dual diesel engines with highoutput alternator generators or advanced marine hybrid propulsion systems. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks.

Phil discusses the evolution of hybrid systems, starting with Serial Hybrid Systems. These early systems faced challenges such as undersized motors and unreliable controllers, leading to costly refits back to diesel engines. However, companies like Ocean Volt have emerged with reliable electric motor systems, offering a viable alternative for ecoconscious sailors.

Parallel Hybrid Systems, which marry a diesel engine to an electric motor, are gaining popularity for their power redundancy. While they offer flexibility in propulsion, they come with increased cost and complexity.

At Balance, we prioritize simplicity and reliability, which is why we carefully evaluate hybrid solutions before adoption. Our preference for saildrives over straight shafts reflects our commitment to enhancing onboard comfort and reducing maintenance.

After extensive research, we're proud to announce Integrel EDrive Hybrid as Balance's preferred provider for Parallel hybrid propulsion. Stay tuned for our next video, where Phil discusses the EDrive system in detail with Integrel's CEO, Trevor Howard.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of hybrid propulsion systems and strive to make ecofriendly sailing more accessible to adventurers worldwide.

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