Driveline Considerations When ‘Going Hybrid’

Summary

In the 'Maritime Matters' podcast, host Greg Troutwine interviews Bob Lennon, an industry manager at Sente, a Regal Rexnord brand renowned for marine couplings. They delve into the evolution of Sente since its 1970 inception, discussing its innovative products, industry consolidations, and the impact of hybrid propulsion solutions on maritime drivetrains. Lennon shares insights on engineering challenges, market transitions, and the future of propulsion technologies, emphasizing the importance of expert engagement, precise project planning, and proactive maintenance strategies for successful hybrid system integration.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ The podcast 'Maritime Matters' focuses on leaders and advancements in the maritime industry, aiming for a safer, more efficient, profitable, and cleaner future.
• 📜 The guest, Bob Lennon, is the industry manager at Centa, a Regal Rexnord brand with a significant history in marine couplings.
• 🏢 Centa was founded in 1970 by German engineer Gart Kirai, initially focusing on industrial applications before expanding into marine propulsion and power generation.
• 🔧 Gart Kirai's innovation of a pre-compressed rubber element led to Centa's first product and several subsequent patents, establishing a leadership role in engine-driven equipment.
• 📈 Centa experienced significant growth through various sectors, including construction, power generation, and marine propulsion, eventually leading to its acquisition by Rexnord in 2018 and later merging with Regal Beloit in 2021.
• ⚙️ Regal Rexnord today encompasses over 70 market-leading brands in mechanical and electrical power transmission, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
• ⚡ Hybrid propulsion solutions are a key focus for the future, with varying definitions and implementations, signaling a transitional phase towards alternative fuels.
• 🛠️ Alignment and maintenance are critical for the longevity and efficiency of hybrid propulsion systems, with an emphasis on planning and using expert resources.
• 🔍 Monitoring and validating torsional vibration and torque during sea trials are essential for ensuring the performance and reliability of hybrid systems.
• 🗣️ Effective communication and meticulous planning of maintenance cycles are crucial to avoid panic situations and ensure the availability of critical spares.

Q & A

What is the focus of the 'Maritime Matters' podcast?

The 'Maritime Matters' podcast focuses on leaders, people, companies, and technologies in the maritime market that are driving news and leading the industry towards a safer, more efficient, profitable, and cleaner future.

Who is the host of the 'Maritime Matters' podcast and what is his background?

The host of the 'Maritime Matters' podcast is Greg Troutwine, who is the editor and publisher of Maritime Reporter and Engineering News and has been in the industry for over 30 years.

What is Bob Lennon's role in the company and what was the topic of discussion on the podcast?

Bob Lennon is the industry manager at Sentina, a Regal Rexnord brand. The podcast discussed the advent of hybrid propulsion solutions across the maritime industry, with insights on their engineering impact for the entire drivetrain.

Can you provide a brief history of the Sentina brand?

Sentina was started in 1970 by German engineer Gart Kirai, who developed a centrifugal clutch for diesel engines. The company's name is derived from its first product, a clutch for diesel engine-driven equipment. Over the years, Sentina expanded into various markets, including construction equipment, power generation, wind power, and marine propulsion.

What significant innovation did Sentina introduce in the 1990s?

In the early 1990s, Sentina innovated with carbon fiber, patenting a method to bond carbon fiber to steel, which led to the development of high-speed fairies and ultra-lightweight carbon fiber shafts for marine propulsion.

What major changes occurred to Sentina in 2018 and beyond?

In 2018, Sentina was sold to Rexnord, a well-known brand in mechanical power transmission. In 2021, Rexnord merged with Regal Beloit, another Wisconsin company, adding more brands and products to the portfolio, including electric motors. Later, the acquisition of Ultra added even more brands and technologies to the group.

What is the current state of the Regal Rexnord brand after several mergers and acquisitions?

The Regal Rexnord brand today encompasses over 70 individual market-leading brands in mechanical and electrical power transmission, motion control, automation, and conveying, with a presence in various markets and a focus on sustainability and product innovation.

What is the current trend in the maritime industry regarding propulsion systems?

The current trend in the maritime industry is towards hybrid propulsion solutions and energy transition, with a push towards greener and more environmentally responsible technologies.

How does Bob Lennon view the future of hybrid propulsion and alternative fuels in the maritime industry?

Bob Lennon sees hybrid propulsion as a transition phase technology, with alternative fuels likely to become more prevalent. However, he acknowledges that the exact future of these technologies is uncertain, as the industry is still exploring various definitions and implementations of hybrid systems.

What advice does Bob Lennon give regarding the installation and maintenance of hybrid propulsion systems?

Bob Lennon advises engaging experts early in the project, understanding the operating conditions and components of the drivetrain, and planning maintenance cycles carefully. He also emphasizes the importance of alignment during installation and having critical spares available through local distributors.

What is the importance of alignment in the context of hybrid propulsion systems discussed in the podcast?

Alignment is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of hybrid propulsion systems. It ensures that all components are mechanically lined up correctly, reducing the risk of malfunction and improving efficiency.