8340VP-40

13 - 20 kW Diesel DC Generator

The Most Efficient Technology for Auxiliary Power for Sail or Motor Vessels

The Most Efficient DC Generator for Hybrid Electric Propulsion for Mono-Hull and Multi-Hull Sailing Craft in the 9 to 15 meter Range

The Volvo D2-40 engine is no longer available, we are replacing it with either a D2-50 or a 3TNV88 Yanmar

Engineered for large cruising yachts and commercial vessels with heavy electrical loads. Properly configured the 8340VP-40 outperforms a conventional 40 kW AC generator in every aspect:

Charges Batteries Faster
Smaller in Size
Lighter in Weight
Greater Reliability
Less Maintenance
More Fuel Efficient
Less Vibration/Noise

Brochure

Hybrid Electric Propulsion

The concept is to place one or two DC generators in the most optimum location within the vessel to provide power for the electric propulsion motors and DC to AC inverters and to charge batteries, all at the same time. The system can run one or more generators and combine the electrical output. The electric motors can be used for the main propulsion in sailing and unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV) or for bow thrusters in motoring craft.

Having one central battery bank powering the electric propulsion overcomes the inconvenience of having to warm up a diesel to motor from the boat’s slip.

Additionally, propulsion under electric motor is silent and odor free. The central battery bank also provides power to operate the electrical appliances on board without having to run the generator. Having air conditioning available all night without the generator running is a true measure of comfort.

While under sail the electric motors can be used as hydro-electric generators to recharge batteries and power the loads such as navigation, auto-pilot, refrigeration and lighting. For instance, a sailing catamaran can produce as much a 6 kW of power to recharge the battery.

Auxiliary Power

Using a DC generator, battery bank, and an inverter creates an on-board power system that can have both DC and AC power 24/7, yet the generator runs only a few hours a day or week. This is the most efficient and convenient source of marine power.

Up to 110 amps of 12 Vdc charging for starting batteries
Up to 20 kW at 2800 RPM for battery charging, inverter power, and electric propulsion.
Charges batteries and powers the inverter at the same time.
Can charge the battery and operate the propulsion motor at the same time.

Dual Voltage Systems

Having dual systems and separating the 12 Volt (or 24) house electronics (navigation, communication, lights, and stereo) from the battery bank used for the inverter and heavy DC loads (anchor, refrigeration, bow thrusters) offers many advantages. There is less electrical interference between the DC appliances that are producing the electrical noise and the appliances that are sensitive to it. Having the heavier DC loads operate at higher voltages improves reliability, safety, efficiency, and reduces the weight of copper on board.

8000 Series Alternator

The 8000 alternator series are the most reliable DC alternators on the market. There are no internal parts to wear out: no brushes, bearings, slip rings, exciters, rotating electrical windings, internal diodes, or any parts that make contact against spinning surfaces. These alternators are designed for lifetime service in marine environments. The primary applications for the Polar Power Inc. alternators have been in Military and Telecommunications use.

Volvo Penta Engines

The PDC-8340VP-40 Generator incorporates the Volvo Penta D2 series engine that is designed for highest onboard comfort (low noise and vibration). This four cylinder engine is significantly smoother than other three or less cylinder marine generators. This diesel engine is based on the Perkins 404D-15 that Volvo has been developed for heavy duty industrial applications and marinized for the highest marine demands by Volvo.

This guarantees a reliable engine with a long service life. Volvo Penta D2 series engines are fitted with freshwater cooling as standard. This reduces internal corrosion and enables the engine to maintain a consistent and optimal working temperature under all conditions.

Technical Specifications

Lubrication System

Spin-on full-flow oil filter
Separate oil scavenger pipe
Closed circuit crankcase ventilation

Fuel System

Flange mounted, cam driven, in-line injection pump
Feed pump with hand primer
Spin-on type fine fuel filter

Exhaust System

Freshwater cooled exhaust manifold and
seawater cooled exhaust elbow

Cooling System

Freshwater cooling system governed by
thermostat
Tubular heat exchanger with integral expansion
tank
Coolant system prepared for hot water
outlet fittings
Easily accessible sea water pump and impeller

Electrical System

Corrosion protected electrical system
14V/115A marine alternator (24 Vdc alternator
as option)
Charging regulator with electronic sensor for
voltage drop compensation
Glow plugs for excellent cold starting
Electric Starter Motor

Power Output

The maximum kW rating shown for this model is based on engine speed in the range of 2900 RPM and at an ideal voltage output.

The power output (kW) of the Generator is dependent on the engine speed range selected.

The engine speed range selected is influenced by the alternator winding configuration and the desired voltage output range.

Noise, maintenance, and fuel efficiency are additional factors influencing the selection of: the alternator model, winding configuration, and engine speed, and engine model.

We offer product in the 12 to 550 Vdc range, to achieve this capability we have different alternator windings and models.

Different alternator windings also allow us to provide specific voltage ranges at different speed ranges.

If an application requires high power output in a lightweight and very compact package we select a speed range of 2500 to 3000 RPM

If the need is for long life, low noise, and better fuel efficiency then we select a range of 1600 to 1900 RPM.

If the alternator winding configuration allows we can also offer engine speeds in the range of 1900 to 2400 RPM.

The higher the voltage the wider the choice for engine speed selections.

Higher voltages should be pursued to reduce the need to high currents to obtain desired currents.

Polar invites you to use our applications forms to we can add our expertise in finding the right generator for your application.