SMM: hybrid transmission unveiled for harbour, security and passenger vessels

Friedrichshafen, Germany-headquartered ZF has revealed its new hybrid transmission for fast vessels, patrol boats and ferries at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg.

The ZF 3000 transmission series has been exteded with the ZF 3200 A/V PTI for a power range from 1,295 kW to 1,940 kW.

ZF said this hybrid down-angle transmission is compact and light enough to be installed on fast craft with limited installation space due to its aluminum housing.

Its gearing design means an additional electric motor unit can be connected via its own drive shaft without reducing the permissible power of the main drive for a hybrid propulsion configuration.

ZF 3200 A/V has a maximum output of up to 1,940 kW and a maximum torque of 7,560 Nm, while the PTI can be coupled with electric motors up to a maximum output of 500 kW.

Up until this introduction, ZF has only offered hybrid transmissions with a larger ratio in this power range – suitable for workboats, but not ideal for other applications.

This new transmission covers the ratio range from i=1.351 to i=3.444. "This makes it the optimal solution for applications in fast craft with limited installation space," says ZF head of commercial sales for fast craft transmissions, Wolfram Frei.

Demand for hybrid propulsion solutions for fast vessels in harbours and coastal areas has risen to reduce pollution and CO2 emissions, leading to transmission developments which enable electric motors and small batteries to be used.

At the PTI, the ratio can be selected in a range from i=1.892 to i=4.240. "In addition, depending on our customers’ requirements, we can implement different or additional ratios at the power-take-in," added Mr Frei. 

This enables the ratios to be adjusted to suit the operational profile, for example, during short-term boost modes or maneuvering.