OSSA POWERLITE^®
Diesel-Electric Marine Propulsion Systems and Accessories
 

Introduction -

Just as hybrid car technology is transforming the automotive world, Glacier Bay’s new OSSA Powerlite^® system (pronounced "oh-su") is poised to revolutionize yacht propulsion and accessory systems.  OSSA Powerlite makes it easy to bring the advantages of modern diesel-electric technology and variable-speed brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive to yachting.  It is suitable for both new construction and retrofit.

OSSA Powerlite is a family of carefully matched power components which seamlessly integrate a unique power generator technology with electric propulsion and a wide range of carefully matched high-performance accessories.  It is modular in concept using components which can be combined in limitless ways to meet your particular needs.

The diesel-electric advantage -

Virtually all passenger liners and many commercial cargo-carrying ships have switched from conventional to diesel-electric propulsion.  The logic for doing so may at first seem counter-intuitive (i.e "don't you lose efficiency?").  However, it turns out that decoupling the diesel engine from the propeller shaft offers many advantages - advantages with apply just as well to a private yacht as to a commercial carrier.  These advantages include:

•  Improved fuel efficiency.
•  Reduced noise and vibration.
•  Better interior space utilization.
•  Reduced weight and/or better distribution.
•  Superior performance in extreme weather conditions.
•  Better integration of on-board systems.
•  Increased life and reliability of the engine and major components
•  Improved vessel handling and maneuverability.

With so many advantages to diesel-electric it is reasonable to ask why it has not been widely adopted before now.  The answer can be found in the state of the art and associated costs of the technologies required to successfully implement these systems in the smaller "yachting" scale.

Configuration and operation of an OSSA Powerlite^® system -

The OSSA Powerlite system is highly flexible and is as suitable for tournament sportfishers as it is displacement trawlers and cruising sailboats. 

The heart of the system is one or more of our Propulsion Duty Rated™ variable-speed DC generators.  These generators vary in size from 6kw (8hp) to 200kw (268hp).  Any number of generators can be used to provide the required amount of power. Special software allows multiple generators to operate in different 'modes" to emphasize minimum engine run time, maximum fuel efficiency, quick throttle response and so on.

The generator(s) feeds power at 120vdc up to 800vdc (depending on the total system power requirement) to a Power Distribution Panel.  The panel contains circuit breakers which accept the incoming power and distribute it to the propulsion motors and all OSSA Powerlite accessories.  The GFS™ safety system integrated into the panel monitors the circuit for power status and ground fault conditions.  Several panels styles are available as are expansion Sub-Panels to accommodate virtually any number of inputs and outputs.

OSSA Powerlite Propulsion Motors are liquid-cooled, low-speed, permanent magnet, synchronous DC motors.  At up to 98.9% electrically efficient, they are among the most efficient motors ever produced.  Available in power ratings from 20hp to 800hp, they are typically designed to turn at a maximum speed of 1,100 rpm (custom speeds available).  As such, they are intended to be directly connected to the drive shaft.  The additional weight, expense and frictional loss of a gear reduction transmission is not incurred. 

The motors are controlled by signals sent from the Joystick through our OSSA-CAN™ communications buss the Space-Vector Motor Control.  Touch Screen Displays placed at the helm stations and other locations provide the status of the generator(s), propulsion motor(s), GFS Safety System, HVAC and other OSSA Powerlite family products.  System configuration and programming (for example, setting the temperature of the HVAC system) is also accomplished through the displays.

The OSSA-CAN™  interconnects generator(s), propulsion motors(s) thruster, HVAC and other major components using NMEA 2000 standard cable.  It permits any number of  touch screens and joysitck controls to be connected to an number of OSSA Powerlite devices. 

OSSA Powerlite accessories such as Micro Air™ HVAC, battery chargers, watermakers and others operate from low voltage DC power - 120vdc or 240vdc. (Note:  "Low voltage" is the technically correct classification for this power level.)  However, they can also be operated from normal AC shore-power.  This is accomplished by routing the AC power into a special connection in the Power Distribution Panel.  The panel converts it to DC and distributes it through the normal DC circuit.  There are many advantages to this approach but the main ones are better safety (DC power is 5x less dangerous than the same AC voltage) and complete indifference to shore power voltage and frequency fluctuations.  With the OSSA Powerlite system you never have to worry about your air conditioner shutting down or burning up from a brown-out condition when every other boat on the dock turns on their A/C.

See a generic example of how a system might be configured.

See specific examples of customer system installations.

Use all or only part of the system -

OSSA Powerlite is not an "all or nothing" technology.  Obviously, the more fully you incorporate the system, the greater the opportunity for the components to interact in ways the provide enhanced benefits.  Nevertheless, even as individual standalone products, OSSA Powerlite components outperform their competitors.  For specific examples, refer to our applications page for individual components.