FAQ, Tips & TricksBefore I buyWhat benefits do I get with an LMC electric motor system?
ALOT - LMC Motor systems provide you with a huge array of benefits, that owners of traditional propulsion systems can only dream about. Here is a list of the benefits most often remarked by our customers: • High torque at all times, assuring better control at the helm • High torque, providing possibility to increase prop efficiency • High efficiency providing longer motoring time • Quiet operation • Low maintenance costs • No air or water pollution from fossil fuels • Source for additional electrical power for on-board needs • No need for an exhaust system like on diesel or gasoline motors • No fuel tanks or related hoses • No coolant requirement • No fuel oil or filters • No warm-up time required • No need for winterizing the motor or spring commission How can I have an LMC propulsion system configured for my boat ? WE DO IT FOR YOU - An LMC Propulsion System can be configured for your boat by simply forwarding to us information regarding your boat at [email protected]. Or fill out the contact form provided on our contact page. What motor size should I choose? WE CAN RECOMMEND - We will work with you to analysis you’re requirements and your boats detailed design to determine which size motor is best suited for your specific requirements. To get a head start, we recommend you have a look at the specifications for each system. Can an LMC propulsion system be installed in new boats? YES - have your boat builder contact us at [email protected], and we will work with your boat builder to get the right system for the boat you are having built. Can I use my existing prop and shaft ? YES - This is one of your advantages, when choosing an LMC system. It is not only possible to use your existing prop and shaft for your new electric system. It is remarkably easy to fit. As we have several gearing options for each model. To optimize the efficiency of your electric propulsion system, you might want to change your prop to a larger, to take full advantage of your new increased torque. How long does it take to install? NOT LONG - Installation depends on weather it is a new boat or existing boat and if the old engine is to be removed. An experienced boatyard should be able to complete an installation in 2-5 days. Can I install the system myself ? YES - If you have handyman skills, you can install the system yourself, up to 48V. Systems above 48V – you can install the engine and prewire the system, but a certified electrician must make the final connections and certifications. Can I use solar panels as a secondary power supply? YES - Many of our existing customers use solar panels as a way to charge their batteries. Others use a small onboard windmill or a combination of the two. Where are LMC electric propulsion systems in use today? JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE - LMC has installed electric propulsion systems in boats for more than 20 years for and with customers around the world. Our systems have been installed in sailboats, powerboats, rental/ tour/sightseeing boats, water taxies, barges, multihulls and even submarines. PerformanceWhat size boats are ideal for an LMC propulsion system ?
ANY BOAT SIZE - The LMC Motors are currently being installed in mono and multihull boats, ranging in sizes from 27' to 60'. Custom motors can be developed for other sizes and applications. What range do your Electric Propulsion systems provide? UP TO YOU - Motoring times and distance for the LMC propulsion systems dependent on a number of factors including the boat design, system configuration (batteries) and sea conditions. If you want, we will help you configure the optimal system to meet your requirements. Boats with Genset can significantly extend the range by producing electricity when the batteries are drawn down. What maximum speed should I expect for my boat with an LMC system? HULL SPEED - The LMC Motor systems are configured to sustain hull speed. The LMC Motor can be used while sailing to increase speed in light winds and stability in heavy seas. What to consider - HP or Torque? BOTH ARE IMPORTANT - It is important to understand the amount of torque your boat requires and then confirm that a motor has the ability to generate the needed torque. Many measure the power capacity of a motor by its horsepower; the more HP the more power. Horsepower is a measure of energy used to generate torque. Torque is the power resulting in propulsion (measured in foot-pounds). The typical sailboat achieves hull speed with RPM at the prop about 900-1200. It is the job of the motor to generate the RPM at the prop. MaintenanceHow much maintenance is needed ?
NEXT TO NOTHING - This is one of your big advantages with our systems. Once your LMC system is installed, it requires very little maintenance. The brushes have a run time of 3000 hours and the belts have a lifetime of 5000 hours. What maintenance I will need to perform on my LMC electric motor? ONCE A YEAR - Check the brushes in the motor and the belt for wear and tear. And low/Air clean the motor to remove any carbon dust from the brushes. 10 minutes a year - Thats it, your done! EVERY 3RD YEAR - We recommend changing the belts – due to the harsh marine environment. BatteriesHow many batteries – do I need?
2, 4 OR 6 12V BATTERIES - LMC systems deliver propulsion systems from 24–72V. So you need 2(two) 12V batteries for a 24V system, 4(four) 12V batteries for a 48V system and 6(six) 12V batteries for a 72V system. The motoring time is relative to the amp hour of the batteries, so you can either increase the amp hour of the battery or increase the number of batteries. Note, you should have as a minimum the C5 value of the battery What type of batteries should I choose? AGM, GEL OR LITHIUM - We recommend the usage of AGM or Gel batteries, for vessels with limited motoring requirements. Lithium batteries, will give you greater range and motoring duration. They will however ad considerably to you total cost of the system. In many cases, buying a genset will give you what you need, at a much lower cost. If you are racing, Lithium will save you significant weight, so this might be your best option, even though you probably don't need the extended range. Do the batteries add much weight of my boat ? YES AND NO - The weight of batteries must be taken into consideration, however, in most cases the weight of the old motor and full fuel tank exceed the weight of your new system. Electric propulsion facilitates better weight distribution, a significant factor if racing. You can also increase the waterline through by distributing the weight more evenly. For boats with extensive electrical equipment and heavy house loads – we recommend the use of Lithium batteries or a genset. Can I use solar panels as a secondary power supply? YES - Many of our existing customers use solar panels as a way to charge their batteries. Others use a small onboard windmill or a combination of the two. How long will the batteries last, before I need to replace them? 5 YEARS OR MORE - Battery life of is dependent on their use, maintenance and management. When properly used, the life of batteries can exceed five years. Lithium batteries may last significantly longer than 5 years. Can I use the engine battery bank for other onboard applications? YES - You will need to install a DC-DC converter to the main battery bank – You can then draw 12 V for other onboard applications. Just ask for a DC-DC converter as part of your motor package. |
Customer casesPartner forespørgslerHar I et partner / forhandler program?
JA - Vi vil være glade for at gå i dialog med dig om mulighederne for at integrere vores komponenter i din portefølje af produkter. Kontakt os på [email protected] Er flåde indkøb en mulighed? JA - For flåde forespørgsler, bedes du kontakte os på [email protected] Har I et OEM løsningsprogram? Naturligvis - Og vi vil se frem til at undersøge mulighederne for at integrere vores komponenter i din linje af produkter. Kontakt os på [email protected] |