Hi all,
This reply is a bit aside from the main "diesel-electric" discussions, but it fits well within the alternative-drive philosophy.
With a small team of thermo-dynamic engineers we're currently working on an "air-only" or "air-electric" drive solution.
In the "air-only" solution - which we will first apply to catamarans, because they're much less power-hungry - 2 compressed-air engines will drive the props via shafts.
The engines run since more than 5 years in a car, a genset, a mini-tractor, etc.
We plan to install 2 x 25kw engines in a 40-45 ft cat by next summer (in Europe).
In the "air-electric" solution the main drive will come from electric motors, with electricity being supplied by one (or more) compressed-air gensets.
This solution will apply to larger vessels, first stage will be a 65 ft cat.
In both configurations range will be increased by heating the compressed air between tank and engine with an external heater-burner, using any kind of fuel, at a rate of 2-3 liters / 24 hours.
Interesting?
