A method is provided for enhancing fuel efficiency in an integrated hybrid power system for a marine vessel, the integrated hybrid power system including multiple energy storage units and at least one engine-driven power generator coupled with a power distribution grid. The method includes: determining whether a consumer load on the power distribution grid is greater than a rated maximum efficiency loading of the power generator; starting the power generator when the consumer load is greater than the maximum efficiency loading and/or a charge level of the energy storage units is below a lower threshold value; maintaining a constant load on the power generator equal to the maximum efficiency loading despite fluctuations in consumer load; and shutting down the power generator when the consumer load is less than or equal to the maximum efficiency loading and the charge level of the energy storage units is greater than or equal to the lower threshold value.

Disclosed is a system and method for regenerating and distributing energy, such as employed on a vessel or floating offshore installation, the system including a first power distribution system, a second power distribution system electrically isolated from the first power distribution system, and a flywheel mechanically connected to both the first and second power distribution systems. Each of the first and second power distribution systems may include a motor/generator mechanically connected to the flywheel and a drive module electrically connected to its respective motor/generator. The flywheel drive modules may be connected to a common flywheel control module that includes a control algorithm for operating the system.

An underwater propulsion apparatus includes a motor and a control system for controlling the motor. The control system includes a remote controller and a motor driving device, wirelessly communicating with the remote controller. The motor driving device includes a communication repeater module and a motor driving module. The communication repeater module is configured for detecting interruptions or non-receipt of a wireless signal transmitted by the remote controller. Wireless signals to the motor driving module are transmitted by the remote controller to the communication repeater module. The motor driving module is configured for receiving the wireless signal, and outputs a driving signal for driving the motor according to the wireless signal, the motor driving module shutting down when no signal is received.

A hull propulsion mechanism includes a ship body; a wind blade, which is set to the top of the ship body and has a plurality of sails for obtaining a rotating force from wind blade; a shaft, which sustains the wind blade and is a rolling axis as well for conveying the rotating force by the wind blade; a water pump, which is a power unit that circulates water by making use of a turning force from the shaft; and an engine, which obtains hull propulsion from screws that are rotated by a circulated water pressure from the water pump. With this configuration, the hull propulsion mechanism can obtain enough propulsive force without consuming fossil fuels.

A hull propulsion mechanism includes a ship body; a wind blade, which is set to the top of the ship body and has a plurality of sails for obtaining a rotating force from wind blade; a shaft, which sustains the wind blade and is a rolling axis as well for conveying the rotating force by the wind blade; a water pump, which is a power unit that circulates water by making use of a turning force from the shaft; and an engine, which obtains hull propulsion from screws that are rotated by a circulated water pressure from the water pump. With this configuration, the hull propulsion mechanism can obtain enough propulsive force without consuming fossil fuels.

A marine propulsion unit of a marine vessel includes a casing provided to house the steering shaft and a controller configured or programmed to control driving of a propeller, the casing being rotatable by the steering shaft, a power supply wire to supply power to the stator, and a signal wire to transmit a drive signal to the controller. The power supply wire and the signal wire are located outside and along the casing so as to pass behind the steering shaft from a first side to a second side of the casing, the first and second sides being opposite to each other with respect to a forward-rearward direction in a plan view thereof.

A marine propulsion unit of a marine vessel includes a casing provided to house the steering shaft and a controller configured or programmed to control driving of a propeller, the casing being rotatable by the steering shaft, a power supply wire to supply power to the stator, and a signal wire to transmit a drive signal to the controller. The power supply wire and the signal wire are located outside and along the casing so as to pass behind the steering shaft from a first side to a second side of the casing, the first and second sides being opposite to each other with respect to a forward-rearward direction in a plan view thereof.

A watercraft and associated pedal drive system are provided. Method of operating the pedal drive are also provided. The pedal drive system allows for unassisted manual pedaling to provide thrust to the watercraft. The pedal drive system also provides on demand pedal assistance of varying levels via an assist drive train having an electric motor to supplement the manual pedal force input provided by a user at the pedals of pedal drive system.

A system for operating a boat equipped with an electric drive includes a component controller. The component controller includes a component interface for connecting a system component of the electric drive, and a communication interface for connecting the component controller to a system bus of the drive control.

A system for operating a boat equipped with an electric drive includes a component controller. The component controller includes a component interface for connecting a system component of the electric drive, and a communication interface for connecting the component controller to a system bus of the drive control.