General

Adèle is a “generator ship”; that is she is designed to be running all time with a generator (except in port with mains electricity connected). Batteries are therefore reduced compared to a “battery ship” and extra attention is given to sound insulation.

The main reasons for this are two:

• During sailing the winches use too much power to be run from batteries
• The air-conditioning and air-handling systems demand too much power to be run from batteries more than a limited time.

In return the electrical system is much simplified (mainly 220/380 V), and the yacht is substantially lighter (less batteries and cabling).

The total electrical system is controlled from the control room.

Generators

2 x Onan 60kW and 1 x Onan 35 kW are placed in the engine room on the port side. Both of the large generators have hydraulic pumps (with electric clutches) for driving all the hydraulic functions except bow and stern thrusters, which demand that the main engine is running. The exhaust systems are dry and the exhausts are run aft.

The 35 kW generator is a night generator and a back-up. During daytime or when sailing, one of the large generators is expected to run. While motoring or motor sailing with limited electric load (limited air conditioning) the small generator would also be sufficient.

AC System

The distribution system is a busbar system. It is designed to run with one generator supplying all the electricity, but if needed a second generator can start up. The load sharing system will then divide the load evenly between the generators. If we should switch from one generator to another, the two will run in parallel for a short period controlled by a synchronizing unit, before the first is switched off.

Shore Power

Where Adèle is cruising it may not be easy to find shore connections of suitable size (and she will mostly be at anchor rather than moored in a marina), but she has a shore connection of 63A 3 phase 220/400 V with a transformer.

Connections in foreship and aft ship. 4 x 30m cables.

Inverters

All entertainment (TV, DVD) and all computer systems are run via inverters from 24V service batteries, to prevent any disruptions. 2x5 kW inverters.

DC System

Batteries

We have

• 1 Service battery bank of 1500 Ah, 24V providing power for navigation lights, emergency lights, inverters for computers and entertainment systems and certain other functions.
• 1 Radio/Navigation bank of 460 Ah, 24V providing power for the navigation/ communication system, which is designed to be 24 (or 12) V.
• 2 Start battery banks, one servicing the two main generators and the other the small generator and the main engine. Each bank 108 Ah, 24V.

All batteries are maintenance free gel type.

Alternators

Standard alternators on engine and generators charge the start battery banks. Two extra alternators are installed on the main engine, one 120A for the service batteries and one 55A for the radio/navigation batteries.

Battery Chargers

We have

• 2 chargers for service batteries, each 100A 24V
• 1 charger for radio/navigation batteries, 100A 24V
• 1 charger for start batteries, 25A 24V with a diode block to charge both banks

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