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#Industry News

Combo clutch for hybrid tugs

German coupling manufacturer Vulkan will be showcasing a new shifting clutch combination transmission designed for hybrid tugs at Tugnology in London from 19th to 20th May 2015.

In most diesel driven tugs, especially harbour tugs, the main engines operate only two percent of the time at maximum power and about 80 percent of the time at less than 20 percent of the nominal power. This, according to Vulkan, makes these tugs almost predestined for hybrid propulsion.

Due to the combination of electrical power for the low load phases of operation and the full power of the diesel engines, smaller engines with less consumption can be installed.

To separate the diesel engine end electrical motor Vulkan is offering the TDS Plafrix, a clutch coupling combination that has been designed especially for this configuration.

The integrated, pneumatically actuated clutch with radial air supply; a specially designed PLANOX 184/00 by DESCH, is capable of transmitting a nominal torque of 30 kNm. The use of dry running organic friction discs minimises the number of discs needed and leads not only to a weight, but also to a drag torque reduction, which is further reduced by separating the friction discs by springs when declutched.

To transmit the full torque at a speed of 1.800 rpm and to engage the clutch at a differential speed of up to 650 rpm pressurized air of 5.5 bar is needed. Air was selected as the actuating medium to provide a ‘clean ship’. In case of a leakage there will be no spoiling of the engine room with oil as in hydraulically activated clutches. Moreover, compressed air is assumed to be available on board as standard.

The flywheel coupling and the clutch are integrated in a lightweight aluminum housing which is connected to the flywheel housing. Thanks to an internal bearing system the weight of clutch and coupling is supported by the engine housing, keeping the crankshaft bearings nearly free from additional loads. With its unique characteristics and advantages Vulkan believes the TDS Plafrix is a significant contribution to future proof, fuel saving and environmentally friendly propulsion concepts for harbour tugs.

Details

  • Heerstraße 66, 44653 Herne, Germany
  • Vulkan