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Boating NZ : FREE TO READ March 2014
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FROM LEFT: E-GenDrive; Lithium-iron installations need a Battery Management System to control input and output; A lithium battery from Mastervolt. (36kW peak), it’s a light, compact unit for its output, weighing 11kg and measuring 200mm in diameter. A small, petrol-fired Honda GX690 V-twin genset is also mounted in the lazarette, with a second, identical Lynch motor connected to its flywheel. HOW IT WORKS In cruise mode, the stern leg is driven by the batteries. They propel the boat to six knots, spinning the stern leg’s prop at 1800rpm. The boat’s throttle is best described as a controller, feeding more or less current to the motor. Selecting reverse sees the motor spin in the opposite direction. Because there is no engine rev- delay and no gearbox or reduction, torque/response is instantaneous. McGettigan says this trait takes a bit of getting used to, particularly when manoeuvring in a marina. It requires small, delicate throttle movements. “The system has 10kW hours of storage and, drawing three kiloWatts at six knots, the batteries provide two and a half to three hours of cruising before they need recharging,” he says. “At that point, I start the genset. In recharge mode, the second Lynch motor/generator [bolted to the Honda] splits its output. “It delivers 3.2 kiloWatts to the boat’s drive motor to continue cruising, and at the same time feeds eight kiloWatts into the battery bank – fully recharging them in an hour. Switching off the genset, I continue for another two and a half to three hours of silent motoring.” The voyage was completed over three days – 36 nautical miles a day – with McGettigan anchoring in bays overnight. The Honda used 40 litres of petrol for the trip, just over a dollar per nautical mile. With a more easily- driven hull, McGettigan is confident of even better performance. The concept, he says, is ideal for yachts and is especially useful for manoeuvring around marinas. “Apart from the weight and space-saving advantages, it would allow owners to remove a heavy, smelly diesel and replace it with a modest genset and a correspondingly smaller fuel tank. Solar panels providing trickle charging would make the equation even more attractive.” Contact Shaun or Jared – Tasman Auto Electrics 03 544 8388 www.golithium.co.nz www.lithionicsbattery.com POWER TO THE ION! Next generation lithium-ion battery technology lasts longer, charges faster and is more environmentally friendly than any other battery available today. Not only are Lithionics Battery products leapfrogging existing performance and cost standards, but we’re doing it the right way – by addressing the critical global need for safer forms of energy and large-scale renewable energy storage. lithionics battery 0314-31 New Zealand EXCLUSIVE Stockist. Contact us now! 7 REASONS TO Buy A LITHIONICS BATTERy 1. Stable Voltage 2. No Maintenance 3. Light Weight 4. Long Life 5. Reliable 6. NeverDie 7. Environmentally Friendly Photo courtesy of Mike Perry subscribe online at www.mags4gifts.co.nz/boating-nz 61 PBoating_Batteries_March14.indd 61 19/02/2014 10:07:19 a.m.
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