Italian marine-equipment manufacturer Quick Group has expanded its QSY range of electric thrusters and introduced two related technologies: the Pacific control interface and QCentric system architecture.
The QSY range uses synchronous brushless motors with integrated inverters, proportional control and immediate torque response, with the technology designed to reduce power consumption, maintenance requirements and operating noise.
Several new thruster models and a new 215mm tunnel have been added with the model line now extending from the 12V BT QSY 140-50, which produces 50kgf of thrust through a 140mm tunnel, to the 48V BT QSY 300-350, rated at up to 350kgf through a 300mm tunnel.
The new tunnel fills the gap between the existing 185mm and 250mm sizes.
Depending on the model, dual-voltage 12V/24V and 24V/48V options are available.
The expanded range is aimed at a range of vessels from seven-metre centre-console boats to yachts of about 30 metres. Larger applications may be possible depending on hull geometry, displacement and whether two thrusters are installed.
Pacific series
The Pacific series has been designed for Quick Group’s thruster ranges and optimised for QSY equipment. It will be supplied in T1, T1XL and T2XL versions for different installations and vessel sizes.
Functions include proportional control, manoeuvring precision, diagnostics and digital integration.
The T1XL and T2XL share the same helm-console footprint, allowing an installation to be upgraded without requiring an additional hole in the console.
The Pacific controller can connect to third-party manoeuvring and control systems, including platforms from Volvo Penta, Mercury Marine and Xenta.
Dedicated gateways and NMEA 2000-compatible connections provide interoperability with existing onboard electronics.
QCentric
QCentric based on CAN bus technology, provides the underlying architecture. The open, scalable platform is intended to connect Quick Group products, functions and data within a common environment.
Pacific is the first system to use QCentric, but the company plans to extend it to equipment including stabiliser fins, windlasses and other systems, while also being open to systems from partners and other companies.
Support for NMEA 2000, gateways and interfaces is designed to enable links with third-party joysticks and assisted-manoeuvring systems.
“Quick Group is no longer just introducing individual products to the market – what we are doing is building an integrated technology ecosystem where the real innovation comes from connecting everything together,” explained Lorenzo Mongiardo, chief technical officer at Quick Group.
And he added that the common architecture should simplify installation and allow builders to use the same basic infrastructure across different vessel sizes.
The complete QSY range, Pacific controls and QCentric ecosystem are scheduled for their world premiere at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival.
