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Conversion of Diesel-Powered
Tug Boat to Electric Propulsion
By Joseph Fleming – Chief Engineer, Elco Motor Yachts
41’ Steel Tugboat - built and in service on the
New York State Erie since 1927
• powered by a large
diesel engine
• Heavy air and
water polluter
• High fuel and
maintenance costs
• NYS Energy
Research and
Development
demonstration
Project
Specifications
• 35,000 lbs – 15,875 kgm
• 4-8 hour daily operation
• 208 volt/50 amp, single
phase shore power
• Barge generators
available when not
docked – but not to be
considered a primary
source
1980’s Diesel
Helm station controls to
the left and above wheel
Replacement Design
Batteries
• 36 12-volt, 220 ahr AGM type
batteries hooked in
series/parallel (3 banks of 12 in
series hooked in parallel)
• ABYC standards with
disconnects and emergency
master disconnect switch
Battery Charger and AC Circuit Panel
• Single 5000 watt
charger for overnight
charging from 80%
DOD
• Circuit protection in
NEMA enclosure with
Volt and Ammeter
monitoring
Installation
Outcomes
Performance