US MARITIME innovation business SeaRobotics chose an electric propulsion system from Torqeedo for its Endurance autonomous surface vessel, citing dependable performance, extended time on station and quiet operation.
“Our power requirements for this Endurance 7.0 ASV were very specific,” said Don Darling, president of SeaRobotics.
“The vessel required extended endurance on station as well as a quiet operating mode while performing acoustic research operations.”
The powertrain for the seven-meter aluminium boat consists of a Torqeedo Deep Blue 50i electric motor, a lithium propulsion battery, a water-cooled converter, a lithium battery for DC-DC backup, and a 25 kW diesel generator.
The fully integrated computer-controlled propulsion system is designed for long-range unmanned hydrography and subsea mapping missions.
“Autonomous surface vessels are a perfect application for electric propulsion in terms of silent, emission-free performance and reliable, low-maintenance operation,” said Steve Trkla, president of Torqeedo.
“Torqeedo also had extensive previous experience in working with ASV builders. The full range of Torqeedo drives, from 0.5 kW outboards up to the high-voltage 50 kW Deep Blue system, have been successfully integrated into ASVs by builders around the world.”
