Power supply
A reliable power supply is essential for safe and comfortable travel. Day trips, multi-day excursions, or ocean crossings; we design and install a system that meets your specific requirements.
Energy sources
Shore power, solar panels, a generator, a hydroelectric generator, and/or a fuel generator. The right mix to meet your needs is crucial to making your trip a success. We're happy to help!
Energy management
In modern energy systems, all components are connected to a central network for status monitoring, fault notifications, and event handling. Design and configuration are crucial for reliability and a good user experience.
Energy storage
Wet, gel, AGM, and/or lithium (LifePO4)? Should you choose 12 or 24 volts? Which charger, inverter, and MPPT regulator? Good design choices and the right wiring, fuses, and installation require the expertise and attention we offer.
Expertise and advice
Balance between yield and consumption
There are four conceivable scenarios with different requirements and considerations:
1. Shore power in a marina: European standard (230V/50Hz/CEE plugs) or American standard (120V/60Hz/NEMA plugs). A Victron Isolation Transformer and plug adapters offer a solution for using shore power everywhere. For a retrofit, consider 32A shore power wiring and plugs so you can draw full power at 120V. A key requirement is the ability to limit the power consumption in marinas with limited power supplies. And don't assume that plug adapters are available in all marinas.
2. Free at anchor: Ideally, the solar panel output should balance regular onboard power consumption (e.g., refrigerator, lighting, Starlink, entertainment). In this scenario, removable, foldable solar panels can provide additional capacity to minimize engine and/or generator running.
3. Short (day) trips: If the solar panels at anchor provide a neutral or positive energy balance, it is really only important to ensure that the available battery capacity is sufficient to handle regular consumption + intensive use of the autopilot for the duration of the trip.
4. Long offshore voyages: This is the most demanding scenario. Ideally, the yield from the solar panels + hydrogenerator is balanced with regular consumption + intensive use of the autopilot + regular running of the watermaker. This is supplemented by occasional running of the engine/alternator and/or generator in situations with little sun and/or wind.
The right mix
When choosing solar panels, it's important to carefully consider parallel and series connections, as well as the number of MPPT inverters to be used. A correct design and panel type maximizes yield and minimizes the negative impact of factors such as sail shadows. Only install panels suitable for the sometimes harsh marine conditions, and be aware that in practice, the yield is a maximum of 60% of what's stated on the packaging (and even as low as 35% for cheap, unsuitable panels).
For long offshore trips, a hydrogenerator is a highly desirable addition. Solar panels operate for a maximum of 6 to 8 hours; a hydrogenerator operates 24 hours a day. With the right combination, it's often possible to achieve the desired balance between yield and consumption.
A proper setup for your engine's alternator(s) is crucial. The common use of a DC-DC charger between the conventional starter battery and the lithium (LifePO4) service batteries is really only suitable for small boats with limited service battery capacity (<200Ah). An externally regulated alternator, for example, 24V/170A, that directly charges the lithium service batteries provides much better results. However, a suitable V-belt and pulleys are required for higher power outputs (e.g., 6-groove serpentine). This setup can be combined with a 12V DC-DC charger for the starter battery. It's important to configure the external alternator regulator to correctly handle the BMS event "the battery is almost full," among other things. This prevents damage from voltage spikes when the BMS disconnects the full lithium service batteries while the alternator is running at full power.
The fuel generator
The right type of onboard generator depends heavily on your usage profile. If other energy sources are occasionally insufficient and you only want to charge the batteries using the existing charging equipment, a small generator is sufficient. On larger vessels with major consumers such as air conditioning, hot water for the entire crew, chest freezers, and a large watermaker, a generator can serve as a direct power supply. This naturally places very different demands on the generator and the energy system. Aquagrid Marine works exclusively with high-quality diesel generators. We are happy to help you design a suitable solution.
Redundancy
Modern common-rail diesel engines depend on an uninterrupted and stable power supply. Implementing a redundant power supply (e.g., starter + service battery + 12V/12V inverter) is relatively inexpensive and simple, yet a crucial detail for the safety of the ship and crew.
Insight
The importance of having a clear overview of the current status of your energy system cannot be overstated. It provides significant peace of mind to be able to see at a glance that all components are functioning as expected and that you have ample power (even when you're not physically on the boat).
Unfortunately, the harsh reality of offshore sailing is that malfunctions occur with some regularity. A blown fuse, a loose cable, no output from an alternator, and so on. A well-designed management system immediately identifies malfunctions and is essential for rapid recovery and preventing larger problems.
Batteries
Smart lithium (LifePO4) batteries offer significant advantages in terms of space, storage capacity, charging speed, maximum load, and lifespan. From a cost and performance perspective, a combination of lithium and conventional batteries is the best practical solution. Conventional AGM batteries, for example, are ideally suited for the large peak loads of bow thrusters and anchor winches. Aquagrid Marine will work with you to design modifications to your existing system or a suitable total solution for a complete refit.
Knowledge
Training is essential for a reliable power supply onboard a yacht. A well-trained crew understands the operation of the various components, can recognize malfunctions early, and can intervene safely. This reduces the risk of failure, increases safety onboard, and ensures the continuity of critical systems.
Support
Not everyone is an electrical installer. Victron's modern systems can be remotely accessed via the internet and adjusted if necessary. If desired, AquaGrid Marine provides remote support for delivered installations, even via Starlink, when you're in the middle of the ocean. If necessary, we also travel to international locations for work.