Hybrid electric drive for small craft

Littoral Research Group L.L.C. (LRG) of New Orleans, Louisiana has teamedwith Kinetic Art and Technology (KAT) and its commercialization arm LynxMotion Technology Corporation to offer a dynamic partnership that integratesworld-class naval architecture services with cutting edge, award winning,electrical engineering and design. LRG will use their hydrodynamicplaning codes to analyze the sea-keeping and powering performance of the 7-meterRHIB, to determine the final system requirements, and to determine location ofall major equipment in order to optimize the sea-keeping and powering efficiencyof the 7-meter hybrid electric RHIB. KAT/Lynx brings their patented SEMA motortechnology that offers efficiencies up to 99% at loiter speeds along with theirexpertise in system controls. LRG will review all major components, engine,gear, sterndrive/outdrive, and propeller and make recommendation for replacement,redesign and integration as an integral system. Currently, the Navy is developing a fleet of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV)in the support of the Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) mandate. This fleetis being developed from the 7-meter and 11-meter RHIBs because they haveshown the capability to support such operations as mine countermeasures,amphibious warfare support, communication relay with UUVs, and a significantnumber of other functions. LRG views the research, development, and deploymentof the hybrid electric 7-meter RHIB as a large step toward a fully electric,fully autonomous fleet capable of amphibious warfare support.Beginning in the year 2006, marine diesel engines over 37-kW will be requiredto meet new clean air standards. Recreational marine engines contribute toozone formation and high PM (particulate matter) levels, especially in marinas,which are often located in areas with air-quality problems. The use of thehybrid electric technology to assist in meeting the new standards will havea profound positive effect on the air quality in our marinas and National Parks.One commercial application of an electric propulsion system is a