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To keep up with the power demands for the lifestyle of modern boats, we need a substantial amount of energy. Without regular access to shorepower, the only practicable way to produce this energy is with a fossil fuel driven engine. In this text-only module we explore how we can optimize the energy produced with a high-output alternator and how this eliminates the need for a standalone generator in many cases.
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Optimized Energy Systems (Text Only)
MODULE 10
To keep up with the power demands for the lifestyle of modern boats, we need a substantial amount of energy. Without regular access to shorepower, the only practicable way to produce this energy is with a fossil fuel driven engine. In this text-only module we explore how we can optimize the energy produced with a high-output alternator and how this eliminates the need for a standalone generator in many cases.
We learn about the specific fuel consumption (SFC) of an engine, which is dependent on the engine's RPM and the load.
What happens if we add an additional load to a boat engine at typical cruising speed? It improves overall engine efficiency! We explore how this allows us to generate electricity from the propulsion engine with surprisingly high efficiency.
We compare the efficiency of alternator-based systems both underway and at anchor to traditional generator-based systems.
What is the cost per kilowatt-hour of energy produced on board? We make a detailed cost comparison of alternator-based systems with standalone generators based on cost of fuel, amortization, and maintenance costs.