Electric hydrofoiling vessel developer Vessev has announced its new VS–Drive podded propulsion system.
The system is a submersible motor that combines advanced active cooling with custom direct-drive brushless motors in a modular design.
The system powers the VS–9, Vessev’s nine-metre, battery-electric hydrofoiling catamaran, and will scale to other models in development, including 12 and 18-metre vessels, as well as Vessev’s recreational vessel which is due to launch soon.
Features of the VS–Drive include an internal closed-loop cooling system, allowing the system to operate consistently at temperatures of below 50 degrees Celsius.
“The VS–Drive began as a clean-sheet design to overcome one of the trickiest challenges in electric marine propulsion: overheating,” explained Max Olson, Vessev co-founder and chief technology officer.
The VS–Drive began as a clean-sheet design to overcome one of the trickiest challenges in electric marine propulsion: overheating.
Max Olson
“The result is sustained high-torque output, and unparalleled performance in tropical climates.”
And he added that there is no other marine motor on the market built for electric hydrofoiling vessels that employs the kind of active cooling system that allows the VS–Drive to remain performant regardless of climate.
In addition, by connecting the motor directly to the propeller and eliminating gearboxes and long driveshafts, the VS–Drive has fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, reducing energy loss and enhancing efficiency.
The motor has a continuous output of 65kW (90hp) at 25 knots, with peak power of 110kW – around 150hp.
It has been designed and built with longevity in mind with long-life bearings – an expected lifespan of 40,000 miles – and sensors monitoring the system’s health and performance in real time.
Low-speed maneuverability
The motor’s modular design allows components to be easily disassembled and serviced.
The VS-Drive’s vectorable rudder mounting provides low-speed maneuverability, and when combined with Vessev’s fully retractable foiling system, facilitates operation across a range of marine environments and marina configurations.
The VS-9 has a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 30 knots with a 40 nautical mile range at full load.
The vessel has a capacity of ten passengers plus a skipper.
Vessev received received co-funding from the New Zealand government’s Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to develop the VS–Drive.
