Netherlands

WhisperPower

WhisperPower and sister company Hybrid Power Systems recently enjoyed a 5th successful year at the annual METS show in Amsterdam, held from 18th to 20th November. Displaying a restyled logo and new pay-off, WhisperPower state that they were once again well received at the show.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151794/image/large-ebc758f3383d75c74cad75a498b4a393.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151794">This years METS was also the opportunity for the Dutch company to kick off an international promotion campaign, highlighting ‘new school’ power systems and integrated power systems solutions with the All-in-One generation. In addition to the systems, the brand new small, lightweight and silent Piccolo 4 kW compact generator also attracted the attention of visitors.Discussing a recent 46 metre Royal Huisman project, Owner of WhisperPower, Roel J Ter Heide, comments, “We've delivered a very quiet, very smart power system, with small, compact diesel engines that generate power using our Variable Speed Permanent Magnet Technology. The owner is very happy with this system. The yacht is also equipped with a shaft generator of 50kW so when the yacht is sailing it generates all its power from the water, which means they can switch off the generators when underway under sail.”The company have already confirmed their presence at METS 2015, where Hybrid Power Systems will show the next generation of high power hybrid systems for superyachts.By Gemma Fottles

WhisperPower at METS 2014

WhisperPower continues to grow, introducing a range of new products and making the most of opportunities in the current market. Thanks to the great innovative strength and market knowledge of the company, recognition has grown fast, resulting in an ever increasing number of prestigious projects and new customers. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142065/image/large-5588787b399b30d65abe05a329605ce2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142065">WhisperPower, formerly manufacturer of the Mastervolt Whisper generators, entered the international marine market in 2010 to work directly with marine customers and exhibited at METS for a third time this year. Since, the product range has expanded enormously and the company has grown into a high quality electrical system provider. One of the latest products is the WP-DC Powercube a unique “one box” hybrid integrated power solution, based on a 2 cylinder variable speed super silent diesel generator. At METS, WhisperPower took the opportunity to show the industry its achievements and new products and how it has progressed to become a ‘one stop shop’. For each market segment, boat sizes from 8m to 80m, WhisperPower offers appropriate, fit for purpose products and systems. “We experienced an enormous increase of very interested visitors at our stand at METS this year, reflecting our new position in the maritime market,” said Roel J ter Heide, WhisperPower owner and MD. “WhisperPower continues to stay innovative and flexible in order to be able to move with the market.” The company has developed additional after-market and retrofit concepts such as its Orange Label range and has also made a breakthrough in providing complete hybrid electrical propulsion and power systems which the market is demanding. The complete Orange Label range, the WP-DC Powercube, the hybrid electrical power and propulsion systems and much more will be on display at the WhisperPower stand (10F17) at Boot Düsseldorf. The growth of the company goes hand in hand with an expanding distributor network – WhisperPower now has a presence in more than 40 countries. “I’m extremely pleased with the expansion of WhisperPower,” said Roel ter Heide. “We are continually developing new products and systems and increasing our range, answering to demands from our customers.”WhisperPower +31 (0) 512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.nl/">www.whisperpower.nl</a>

WhisperPower continues to expand

WhisperPower BV, the Dutch designer and manufacturer of smart power solutions, is preparing the supply of a 100 kW power generation system, consisting of two Genverter 50 kW variable speed generators, which will be installed in a 40 metres plus sailing yacht. In addition, a 50 kW integrated flywheel generator, also known as a shaft generator, will be supplied as an additional power source. The WhisperPower systems are connected to a Lithium ION LiFePo4 battery, large enough to provide electrical power to the various on-board consumers during “silent time”, i.e. during the night. The Genverter generators can be put on a high or low energy mode, and will be switched off during “battery silent time”. High Power sine wave inverters take over the on-board AC power provision automatically. The battery bank can also be charged by the integrated flywheel generator during navigation. Among the key benefits of this innovative power solution are a dramatic reduction of the ecological footprint, a substantial reduction in the fuel required to generate the hotel load, and a similar reduction in the maintenance costs for the power plant in hotel load. Redundancy is provided by dividing the power sources into four: - two variable speed Genverter generators of 50 kW each, which can operate in parallel- one integrated flywheel generator- one Lithium battery In addition, the Genverter generators are about 50% smaller compared with traditional generators and are extremely silent. Delivery of the Genverters and integrated flywheel generator is planned for late 2012.WhisperPower +31 (0) 512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.nl/">www.whisperpower.nl</a>

New power system concept for Royal Huisman Shipyard

Holland Jachtbouw has launched the J-class yacht Rainbow at its yard in the Netherlands. Based upon the lines of the original America’s Cup winner in 1934, this spectacular 40-metre J features the unique WhisperPower hybrid propulsion and power system. Rainbow is currently being stepped and sea trials will commence this month as she gears up to compete in this summer’s regattas, including the J-class races in England. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138514/image/large-78d261dd9e5aab64843a71324bae2a88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138514">In close cooperation with Holland Jachtbouw technical director Arjen Zijlmans, a state-of-the-art Hybrid Power and Propulsion system was developed by Dutch power system's specialist WhisperPower BV, making this 40-metre yacht the first full hybrid pleasure sailing yacht of its kind. “I am proud to be the first superyacht builder launching a full hybrid propulsion and auxiliary power system, which is really engineered as total system and not a combination of components supplied by various companies. The cooperation with WhisperPower and its subcontractors really worked out well”, says Arjen Zijlmans. This hybrid solution replaces the conventional main engine and two generator configuration found on other Js, which have a larger engine room than the comparatively lighter <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> (170 tonnes). The main engine replaces the second generator, while the remaining generator is a variable speed unit. The main engine generator can also act as an electric motor that can also run the propeller. This solution is smaller in size and saves on fuel. The batteries can also be charged while sailing without losing more than 1.5 knots of speed. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> can be operated entirely on her Hy-Store Li-ion batteries, including sailing, navigation and hotel load. This also meets the owner’s request for silent periods on-board, without generators running, from 11 pm to 7 am. And that in turn promises much for those who enjoy cruising and, potentially, chartering Rainbow. Other key overall benefits of this innovative propulsion solution include a dramatic reduction of the ecological footprint, a 30% reduction in the fuel required to generate the hotel load, and a similar reduction in the maintenance costs for the power plant in hotel load. Redundancy is built-in with five power sources available: The hybrid battery, the variable speed generator, the variable speed engine generator, the shaft generator (when sailing) and shore power (when available). There is also a substantial reduction in audible noise levels both inside the yacht and out. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138515/image/large-9e63e35401f7bf2283635a446fde3960.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138263">“The Hybrid system we jointly designed with HJB, is in compliance with the highest industrial standards and Lloyds approved”, says Martijn Favot, CTO of WhisperPower and leader of the Hybrid project. “Together with a team of high end specialist we worked 2 years to complete the components of the system. The Permanent Magnet alternators and other system components have been in-house designed and outsourced to leading Dutch and German co-makers”, according to Favot. Main features of the WhisperPower Hybrid system: • Electric propulsion during some hours (50 kW, &gt; 5 knots) • Sail management and other hydraulic functions like manoeuvring operate via inverter on the Hy - Store batteries (Lithium ION LiFePO4). Generator is switched off during sailing. Capacity: 2 x 40 kW/ 512 VDC nominal. • The batteries are recharged during sailing (12 kW max), utilizing the 50 kW permanent magnet flywheel integrated electrical alternator/ electrical motor, which is connected to the shaft and CPP propeller. • A new way of power generation is offered by the 50 kW GENVERTER, a variable speed ultra-compact and light weight diesel generator (cont. power 50 kW/ 1200-3600 rpm/ fly wheel integrated AC alternator, based on Steyr 4 Cyl engine). Being extremely quiet and fuel efficient, the GENVERTER switches off when the batteries are re-charged, the DC to AC inverter will take over the power supply automatically. • Extended periods of silent AC power (3 x 400 VAC)/ 230 V/50 Hz) is offered by the DC to AC inverter, connected to the Li ION batteries. • HY- Shore: the yacht's electrical system can be plugged into any shore power connection in the world, disregarding the frequency (50 / 60 Hz) as the system has a build-in frequency converter. Galvanic isolation is taken care of by the integrated WhisperPower +31 (0) 512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.nl">www.whisperpower.nl</a>

First J-class yacht with WhisperPower hybrid propulsion system launched

Beschier Kik recently joined the board of WhisperPower BV. In his role as Commercial Director, Kik will help the company develop into a global player in the field of power and propulsion systems in close cooperation with general director/owner Roel ter Heide. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134176/image/large-582acf90dbd338c898f6a77ae925e2b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134176">Roel ter Heide is the founder and former director/owner of Mastervolt, a renowned diesel generator and power system company. Established in July 2007, WhisperPower has since mid-2010 been serving the maritime market with an extensive range of advanced power systems previously sold via the Mastervolt network. WhisperPower’s sister company Hybrid Power Systems BV was established in 2010. It focuses on the development and production of hybrid systems for vessels and vehicles which are sold globally via WhisperPower’s commercial network. The WhisperPower Group has fifty employees in the Benelux region, the UK, Spain, Germany, Australia and China, and its products are sold in over fifty countries. Beschier Kik is a well-known name in the maritime world. After a technical and managing career at Bolnes Diesel Motoren and Yanmar Europe, Kik held various positions at Vetus NV before becoming CEO in 2000. After leaving Vetus in 2008, Kik spent the past two years as a key consultant at various companies in the Netherlands and abroad in the field of commerce and management. “I have known Roel ter Heide as an industry colleague for some twenty years and we have always had a good relationship,” Kik comments. “As we are both full of ideas and have a strong drive, it seemed natural to approach the further expansion of WhisperPower together. It is a very interesting challenge as WhisperPower’s field of activity is very familiar to me and its ‘mechatronics’ product range, including diesel engines, is state of the art.” WhisperPower +31 (0) 512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=Beschier%20Kik%20joins%20WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.nl">www.whisperpower.nl</a>

Beschier Kik joins WhisperPower board

WhisperPower has appointed Uflex as their distribution partner for Italy. Uflex is a distributor for a wide range of marine equipment like Mermaid air conditioners, Insta Trim trim traps, Marinco shore power products, BEP circuit breaker panels, Victron battery chargers and inverters, converters and a lot more. In the USA Uflex operates through their sister company Uflex Usa. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132987/image/large-911b3f00860e6e9beee1e4bc71417e1d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132987">“Immediately after we heard WhisperPower products and systems became available to the Marine market in a direct way, we have contacted Roel ter Heide. After a fruitful visit to their amazing high tech plant we agreed to take on the entire WhisperPower Power Generation and Hybrid Propulsion product ranges. We showed these products at the Genoa Boatshow beginning October and got great response from the market”. Says sales manager Giorgio Avigdor. Uflex is part of the Ultraflex Group Companies. The various companies within the group are active in the marine industry, industrial market, architectural and renewable energy market. Ultraflex, a sistercompany of Uflex, is active in the maritime market since 1935 developing and producing mechanical and hydraulic steering systems and control systems. WhisperPower +31 (0)512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.eu/">www.whisperpower.eu</a> Uflex +390109620266 <a href="mailto:ut@ultraflexgroup.it?subject=Uflex/WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">ut@ultraflexgroup.it</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uflex.it">www.uflex.it</a>

New maritime distribution partner for WhisperPower in Italy

Dutch power systems specialist WhisperPower has obtained two orders for the supply of the entire hybrid power and propulsion systems for two J-class yachts which are currently under construction at Holland Jachtbouw in Zaandam, the Netherlands. The systems will be delivered mid 2011 to the 39.5 meter long SY ‘Rainbow’ and the recently ordered SY ‘Yankee’, which have been redesigned by Dykstra &amp; Partners Naval Architects. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/132750/image/large-2cf54b8dbe22cda6cf3a62a6a077941b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132750">Constructed to Lloyds and MCA, both vessels will be ready in time for the J-Class regatta events to coincide with the London 2012 Olympic Games and will be used for both racing and chartering. The yachts will be fitted with a unique WhisperPower Hybrid propulsion system allowing them to navigate at up to 5 knots and manoeuvre entirely without emissions using 2 x 288 VDC/160Ah Lithium Ion batteries (LiFeYP04). During sailing no generators are needed to control the sails as all hydraulics are powered by the same battery banks. Most of the time the on board 230/400 VAC consumers, including the air conditioning, will operate through a 35 kVA inverter via the batteries. A 50 kVA variable speed generator from WhisperPower will be installed to recharge the batteries and provide electrical power to the various loads. An auxiliary diesel engine of 294 kW is planned with a 50 kW flywheel-integrated electrical motor for electric propulsion and will double as a shaft generator when the yacht is under way, generating a maximum power of 10 kW. The systems are designed in close collaboration with Holland Jachtbouw and leading technical companies in the Netherlands.WhisperPower +31 (0)512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.eu/">www.whisperpower.eu</a>

WhisperPower to supply green systems for J-Class yachts

The renowned Whisper range of marine generator systems and accessories, previously manufactured by WhisperPower for Mastervolt, will be sold directly by WhisperPower through its own network of dealers, distributors and agents from July 2010. This announcement is part of a new long-term cooperative agreement between WhisperPower and Mastervolt. The agreement will also see WhisperPower manufacture the jointly developed GPX 5 kW variable speed hybrid generator system. Mastervolt will have exclusive rights to distribute the GPX worldwide in the marine sector, while WhisperPower will sell this innovative product directly to the mobile and off grid remote markets. This new supply agreement between WhisperPower and Mastervolt, both located in the Netherlands, was made at the same time as Mastervolt’s co-founder and main shareholder Roel ter Heide agreed to sell all his shares in Mastervolt to the company. Although Ter Heide stepped down as managing director of Mastervolt in 2007 and started WhisperPower, he had remained a Mastervolt shareholder until now. “The additional positioning of WhisperPower as a ‘marine’ company will strengthen its base and stimulate expansion in a broader market,” says Ter Heide. “We had already succeeded in gaining a substantial market share in global mobile and off grid/remote markets with the current WhisperPower product ranges. With our new Variable Speed hybrid power systems we are even better placed to become a leading player in these markets, offering added value by integrating power electronics and power storage as part of the entire system.” WhisperPower is located in the northern Dutch province of Friesland, where it has a state-of-the-art premises in Drachten for development, assembly and logistics. Employing 40 FTEs, the company’s sales revenue since its formation in July 2007 amount to 14 million euro. “WhisperPower’s mission is to change the world of power generation by developing quieter, cleaner and more energy efficient systems,” concludes Ter Heide. “We have made substantial funds available in order to achieve this ambitious goal.” WhisperPower +31 (0)512 571 550 <a href="mailto:info@whisperpower.nl?subject=WhisperPower%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@whisperpower.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.whisperpower.eu">www.whisperpower.eu</a>