The Hybrid package includes a 200hp Hyundai Seasall diesel.
In the first of a two part series on the innovative Herley Boats, Electric 3400 Powercat, we take an in depth look at some of the technical aspects of the power system.
The 6800 kg, Herley Electric Powercat 3400 is powered by a 60 kWh Li-Ion battery bank which runs two 100kW electric motors, driving the power through shafts, with the propellers set into tunnels of the displacement hull. A planetary gearbox reduction @ 3:1 produces a maximum shaft rpm of 1500 .
 It also boasts a 120kW variable speed generator. This generator provides a Hybrid range extension feature and redundant power in the case of Battery Management alarm. The hybrid control and operating system has been developed in house and is designed in a scalable format to accommodate future builds of all sizes.
The brushless permanent magnet electric motors have a 100kw peak and 60kw continuous output. The engines are liquid-cooled (50/50 water/glycol liquid cooling), with an operating voltage of 350v DC, maximum efficiency of 95% and weighing just 50 kg. The hybrid package also comes with a DSP-controlled inverter with sine wave drive.
The battery bank has a nominal 350v, with a 176Ah capacity, 61.6kWh and weighs 600 kg. Liquid-cooled (50/50 water/glycol liquid cooling), they have an integrated BMS (Battery management system) plus safety features such as a Redundant BMS, Thermal propagation, Protection between individual cells, rupture disc with venting exhaust and DNV-GL Class approval.
The new Herley Electric 3400 uses 1.89kw maximum output solar panels with a charge time of approx. 36 daylight hours. The boat has a shore power connection which will fully charge the battery bank between 1.5hrs and 6 hours, depending on the amperage of the shore supply.
A drive control management system connects and controls the electric motors, throttle, battery bank, generator engine, the cooling system, shore power and onboard charging. It also provides real-time data on every system component.
The Hybrid package includes, what Herley refer to as the range extender, which is based around a 200hp Hyundai Seasall diesel coupled to a permanent magnet brushless electric motor. This produces 220kw maximum power or 150kw continuous and operates at 350V DC. The Herley 3400 carries 630 litres of diesel.
Designed by Roger Hill, in collaboration with Nick Herd, the 3400 Powercat has a projected cruising range of over 1300 nautical miles on a single 630-litre tank, thanks to a hull form that has been specifically designed to create minimal underwater drag.
has a projected cruising range of over 1300 nautical miles on a single 640- litre tank, thanks a hull form that has been specifically designed to create minimal underwater drag.
The Control system is designed to provide a user interface that provides the operator with a familiar boating setting. A simple throttle to manoeuvre the vessel, and through the touchscreen, you can choose how the boat will consume and regenerate energy. You have the option of four modes of operation with smart features to provide the best experience in each setting. The Primary mode is Silent mode, using battery only as the propulsion choice. Economy Mode uses the battery and the generator at its most efficient power generation. Direct mode, uses the generator only to provided power. Sport mode offers unlimited access to all power availability.Â
The shore charging system is designed to make use of current marina standard sockets/outputs available, so no additional equipment is required to charge the battery bank. You also have the option of removing the ‘range extender’ and expanding the battery bank to offer an electric-only drive train.
Part 2, in the Nov-Dec issue of Pacific PowerBoat we run a full review including on the water performance data on this exciting new electric power cat. Â Â
