Conversion of Diesel-Powered Tug Boat to Electric Propulsion

By Joseph Fleming – Chief Engineer, Elco Motor Yachts

41’ Steel Tugboat - built and in service on the New York State Erie since 1927

• powered by a large diesel engine

• Heavy air and water polluter

• High fuel and maintenance costs

• NYS Energy Research and Development demonstration Project

Specifications• 35,000 lbs – 15,875 kgm• 4-8 hour daily operation• 208 volt/50 amp, single

phase shore power• Barge generators

available when not docked – but not to be considered a primary source

1980’s Diesel

Helm station controls to the left and above wheel

Replacement Design

Batteries• 36 12-volt, 220 ahr AGM type

batteries hooked in series/parallel (3 banks of 12 in series hooked in parallel)

• ABYC standards with disconnects and emergency master disconnect switch

Battery Charger and AC Circuit Panel

• Single 5000 watt charger for overnight charging from 80% DOD

• Circuit protection in NEMA enclosure with Volt and Ammeter monitoring

Installation

Outcomes

Performance