The screenshot above is that of world renowned yachting systems author Nigel Calder in the Triskel Marine lab with their new to market Integrel product, which makes some powerful claims – up to five to ten times the output of a conventional alternator.

Integrel stands for Intelligent Generation of Electricity and as you can see – Victron products are part of the system. But what exactly is Integrel?

Integrel gives high power outputs whilst cruising and at anchor when in standalone generator mode by using the spare power capacity available in a marine diesel cruising engine. This is achieved with the help of permanent magnets, intelligent loading and management of the system. As a product it is classed as ‘an advanced generator replacement technology’.

The system was revealed at the recent Southampton boat show. Don’t worry if you missed it and want to see the system, there’s an on the water opportunity at METS. More of that later.

Who needs a standalone generator…

As a fellow sailor friend (MD of OceanTools) said when I told him about Integrel: “I’ve been saying for years that a cruising yacht doesn’t need two engines.”

Or as Nigel puts it: “This system is the one I’ve always wanted in my own boat for the last 35 years and now it has been finally achieved.” In fact he calls it – his retirement present to the cruising community – which over the years represents around ten million dollars in grant and R&D investment with both lab and on the water testing.

By doing away with a separate generator, Triskel get typical standalone generator outputs using just Integrel. This has many benefits; for instance less space required, fewer through hulls, less expensive than an equivalent separate generator and as efficient as one, no extra separate generator running hours or maintenance.

Having satisfied themselves of the reliability and efficiency of the system, Integrel is now available commercially and it looks like it may become the de facto standard for cruising yachts. Who needs a separate generator anyhow…

Summary video

Full technical video

Specifications

Victron Energy components such as inverter/chargers are offered as part of the standard and optional systems. Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controllers can also be added as an additional charging source.

Integrel onboard

Paul and Sheryl Shard of Distant Shores (a Sailing Adventure TV Series) features the Integrel system onboard their new Southerly 480. Southerly are part of the Discovery Yachts Group.

Conclusion

Victron Energy are flattered that boating systems guru Nigel Calder and Triskel Marine are using our Inverter/Chargers as part of the Integrel system.

If you want to see one of test boats with Integrel onboard, then a Hallberg-Rassy 42 will be on show in Amsterdam for the METS Show, from the 13th – 15th November 2018.

This will enable people to see the Integrel system working in situ, on the water. The boat will be moored for the duration of the show at the City Marina and transport between METS and the marina will be laid on free-of-charge by Triskel.

Those interested in finding out more about the system are encouraged to visit their stand at METS in Hall 7, Stand 033e, where you can chat and book a visit to the boat, or alternatively contact Triskel directly to reserve your slot.

Of course Victron Energy will be at METS too, on stand 01.541

Interestingly Integrel has been entered for the 2018 DAME Awards for Machinery, Propulsion, Mechanical and Electrical Systems & Fittings, as well as entering two categories for the Boatbuilder Awards, including the Collaboration Category alongside Discovery Yachts. Results will be announced at the METS show and I suspect Integrel will be right up there – after all it does seem like a game changer for the cruising world.

John Rushworth

Links

Nigel Calder’s books – https://www.waterstones.com/author/nigel-calder/104898

Integrel – https://www.integrelmarine.com