New hybrid propulsion from Baglietto

Baglietto has partnered up with Siemens Energy and CGT to develop a new interposed hybrid propulsion system, which will power the T52 and DOM 133 models starting from 2025

The new system will also be suitable for the vessels equipped with the Bzero hydrogen-based technology (the hydrogen production module using filtered and deionised seawater  developed by Baglietto). All the components have already been supervised, verified, and certified by the Lloyd’s Register of Shipping.

“The new system will implement a hybrid-parallel propulsion architecture ensuring maximum flexibility, compact installation and on-board comfort, as well as improved mechanical and electrical efficiency”, comments Baglietto's CEO Diego Michele Deprati. 

The new power train consists of Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesel endothermic engines and a 180kW high-efficiency electrical machine, united in an extremely limited space. The electrical machine performs a dual function: it works as an electric propulsion motor, ensuring noiseless cruising in maximum comfort, and as a shaft generator, optimizing energy consumption. All of the power train is managed by Siemens Energy BlueDrive Eco, which is a cutting-edge propulsion control system. 

This solution allows the yacht to cruise in four different modes: a diesel mode, a diesel shaft generation mode (without the gensets), an electric diesel mode (with the gensets only), and a full electric mode.

In the conventional modes, i.e. diesel and diesel shaft generation ones, Caterpillar C32 ACERT main engines can use diesel fuels obtained from 100% renewable energy sources, i.e. HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) and synthetic diesel fuels (e-diesel).  In a diesel-electric mode the yacht can cruise at a speed of up to 9 knots, using gensets only and thus optimizing fuel consumption and saving the main engine operation hours. And finally, in a full electric mode the latest-generation Li-ion battery packs with prismatic cells are used, which, according to Baglietto, ensure “unprecedented range values in the ZERO EMISSIONS mode and far longer periods at anchor”. However, the shipyard has not provided any particular data yet.