Customer case: Hydromaster
All-electric Volta heralds sustainable revolution in inland navigation
Electric motors from Innomotics provide quiet, powerful and emission-free drive, lasting 30,000 hours.
Sustainable total solution thanks to smart system integration by Electroproject
Up to 100 km electric boating per day + use as a mobile power bank
Sustainable inland navigation
The Volta is the first all-electric working vessel in its class. With a battery capacity of 2000 kWh and emission-free electric motors, this innovative vessel sets a new standard for sustainable inland navigation. Moreover, the vessel acts as a floating power bank, which can also power equipment on an adjacent pontoon.
Challenge
Inland navigation faces the task of becoming more sustainable, but electric sailing requires more than just batteries. For the Volta, electric motors had to be supplied that could withstand harsh conditions, last 30,000 hours and be flexibly deployable for variable sailing speeds.
It also needed more than a standard supplier. Hydromaster was looking for a partner who would think along in the whole system: from motor selection to frequency control and from controls to integration with battery capacity.
The technical challenge was mainly in the consistency: calculating the right power, controlling the speed with precision, and making sure everything operates safely, energy-efficiently and reliably - day in, day out, on the water.
"Electroproject not only delivers good motors, but really thinks along with them. In complex projects, their strength lies in the knowledge, control and programming. That's where they make the difference."
- Jan Terlouw, Sales manager at Hydromaster
Solution
Electroproject supplied Innomotics electric motors with special windings, insulated bearings and programmable variable speed drives. As system integrator, they coupled all components into one functional unit, tailored to battery power and marine requirements.
Result
The Volta sails emission-free up to 100 km per day and can also power external equipment. The vessel meets all sustainability requirements and scores extra points in tenders. Its quiet operation and reliable performance make it a model project in the energy transition of inland navigation.
"We are not of the standard solutions. When things get more complex, we come into the picture. Then we tie everything together into a total solution that is right - technically and strategically."
- Ronald Waaijer, Account manager at Electroproject
Conclusion
The Volta proves that electric boating is technically feasible and commercially attractive. Thanks to Electroproject's knowledge and experience as a system thinker and total solution provider, this innovation has become a reality.