ELECTRIC HYBRID DRIVE SYSTEM For silent ecological sailing
Windelo catamarans travel silently even when under power, thanks to their electric hybrid drive system. Enjoy the sound of the waves and wind while not disturbing the wildlife as you set sail from your dream anchorage to a new destination. With our electric catamarans, no more exhaust fumes and vibrations – sailing is now a really pleasurable clean, environmentally-friendly experience.
The Windelo catamarans are fitted with two 20kW electric motors from Bellemarine. With an electric propulsion, there’s no need to warm up the electric motor. You have full power from the moment you switch it on.
Motor: A reliable high-performance electric hybrid drive system
We have worked with a variety of design offices specializing in inboard electric drive systems for Imoca and Ultime racing yachts, with a view to obtaining reliability and reducing weight.
Windelo catamarans are equipped with 2 electric shaftline engines of 20kW each and their 1120Ah 48V lithium battery bank (53,8kWh) (by MG Energy ). With an electric drive, there’s no need to warm up the motor. You have full power from the moment you switch it on. These brushless engines have no wear and tear or need for spare parts (no belts) and with very little maintenance.
This is why this technology is widespread on professional craft. It also withstands saltwater environments.
Electric motor with a good cruising range
Thanks to our innovative electric propulsion drive system, our electric catamarans save a lot of energy.
Our 1120Ah 48V lithium battery bank (by MG Energy ) recharges using renewable energy sources first: solar power, hydrogeneration, and wind power.
When sailing on the motor, the electrical draw, connected with the power needed to counteract the drag of the hulls, increases exponentially between 6 and 8 knots. At 6 knots, the Windelo 50 consumes 9.09kW. The electrical draw increases to 15.57kW at 7 knots, and then to 27kW at 8 knots.
- At 6 knots, the Windelo 50 has a range of nearly 3 hours and 45 minutes and roughly 22.7nm per day with an 1120Ah battery bank.
- At 7 knots, the Windelo 50 has a range of nearly 2 hours and 17 minutes and roughly 15.47nm per day with an 1120Ah battery bank.
When the energy consumed is not compensated by renewable energies, the 18kW backup 500L diesel generator(s) start(s) up to supply the electric motors and recharge the batteries. The generator is in the aft engine bays and communicates with the Boat Management System. It starts up automatically when the batteries are low and/or when the power required is greater than the power the batteries can supply. So, the full cruising range of our catamarans on the motor is 1100 nautical miles. The generator can also be started manually by the skipper in 2 different modes:
- Cruising range mode: for example, the skipper wishes to start his generator to increase his cruising range when there is no wind.
- Recharge mode: the skipper starts his generator, which automatically switches off when the batteries are fully charged.