UAE Business: Elcome, Transfluid provide hybrid electric propulsion system – Gulf Digital News

UAE Business: Elcome, Transfluid provide hybrid electric propulsion system – Gulf Digital News

A new patrol boat just launched by Ribcraft in Dubai is powered by a unique hybrid electric system supplied by Transfluid and Elcome International.

 

The two companies collaborated to design and install the cost-effective diesel-electric system for the nine-metre Ribcraft professional-grade rigid-hull inflatable boat. 

 

A Middle Eastern customer required a Patrol RHIB intended for the surveillance of the environmentally protected areas with zero environmental footprint, while at the same time being able to operate at speeds in excess of 40 knots for safety and security missions.

 

Elcome was responsible for all aspects of specifying, integrating, installing, testing and commissioning the Transfluid hybrid system, which can operate in an electric-only, engine-only or booster mode. All systems and equipment on board were specified and designed in collaboration with Ribcraft’s team of technical designers and naval architects.

 

The system architecture, developed by Transfluid, incorporates a clutch and transmission that enables fast and seamless switching between modes. When the clutch is disengaged, the vessel runs solely on battery power, providing emission-free and silent running. 

 

When in “engine” mode, the clutch is engaged and the twin Volvo Penta D4 DPH diesels propel the boat and can also recharge the batteries if required at the touch of a button. In the