Bill Dixon, Chairman of the Jury of the DAME, presented the Award to the winner of the prestigious prize at the start of METS to Steyr Motors GmbH for their hybrid propulsion system, which allows a yacht to operate in any of four modes.
The engine itself can be used to start the engine, eliminating the need for a starter motor. The engine can also be used as a generator to charge the vessel’s batteries. It can be used as well to leave a harbour in the cruise mode under electric power at speeds up to 5 knots. And finally, the engine can be used in the "boost" mode in situations where additional power is required to get the boat onto a plane. The best part of this product is that the additional generator/motor adds only 100 mm (4.2 inches) to the overall length of the engine and an additional 75 kg (165.4 pounds) of weight, yet it produces an output of 7kW at 48 volts. The electric control unit uses CAN bus protocol to monitor and regulate the engine in each mode, thus allowing it to be linked to other "smart" engine controls.
After much deliberation the jury decided on the overall DAME Winner, commenting “Well deserving of the accolade, the jury felt this trendsetting product will have a significant influence on boating in the next few years.” (METS)
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