GEAR | ZF presents its first hybrid-capable down angle transmission with power take-in

With the ZF 5200 A/V PTI, ZF Marine is expanding its portfolio with something new: the brand’s first hybrid transmission that can be installed in vessels in both V (V drive) and A (down angle) positions. Thanks to the wide range of transmission ratios and space-saving design, the ZF 5200 A/V PTI is suited for many different types of marine vessels.

In response to more stringent environmental laws, shipyards are looking for space-saving drive assemblies that also need to operate with the lowest possible emissions. Nevertheless, they do not want to make sacrifices in terms of performance and reliability.

“We are now setting a new benchmark for these applications as well as others,” said Wolfram Frei, Head of Global Sales for the Commercial and Fast Ships product line at ZF.

In the past, the A/V configuration has been difficult to bring about due to the packaging challenges of adding the additional input shaft for the PTI. With the 5200 A/V PTI, ZF was able to successfully meet this challenge for the first time. It is thus possible for the additional power take-in to be coupled with an electric motor in both installation variants.

At the same time, the marine transmission can transmit primary drive outputs of up to 2,462 kW (3.500 hp). In combination with the wide transmission-ratio range (main drive: 2.588 to 4.250; power take-in: 2.5888 to 13.813), it guarantees high-performance operation with reduced emissions and noise for a wide range of ship types. ZF has also improved manoeuvrability and crash-stop behaviour with the optionally integrated shaft brake.

Another advantage is the transmission’s modular design. ZF relies on the proven individual components of the ZF 5000 series, which simplifies service and maintenance for the hybrid solution. The engineers at ZF were able to further reduce the size of the aluminium housing.

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