Emerald Harbor News
Emerald Harbor brings Innovative Power to the Northwest
Emerald Harbor Marine is proud to have joined with Whisper Tech Limited to offer its unique power solution, the DC WhisperGen™ heat and power system to Northwest boaters. The innovative system, produced in New Zealand, solves many of the electricity and heating issues facing boaters.
The heart of the WhisperGen™ system, the Stirling external combustion engine, is stunningly sensible for boats. It produces an efficient burning flow of fuel and air which in turn heats nitrogen gas within four cylinders. The heated nitrogen expands in the top hot heat exchanger, then moves to the lower water-cooled part of the cylinders where it contracts. Rapid heating and cooling, expansion and contraction of the nitrogen gas causes pistons within the cylinders to move. The up and down motion is connected to a rotary generator via the unique “Wobble Yoke.” Cooling water removes heat from the cold cylinder, heat that can be used for domestic water heating.
There is no valve gear. No air or fuel is taken into or out of the cylinder, so the Stirling engine operates cleanly and quietly.
Interestingly, the Stirling engine was invented in 1816, but it was with the establishment of the WhisperGen™ in 1995 that it could be incorporated into a marine heat and power system.
For many boaters, the WhisperGen™ system is a viable alternative to gensets or for boats with larger power loads, the system can provide effective power management for off-peak times. Systems are light (less than 200 lbs.), compact, and exceptionally quiet and clean. At full load, diesel consumption is .2 gph. Automatic 3-stage charging will keep a large battery bank charged and meet peak AC loads onboard via an inverter. When set up for supplying hot water, the system is 90% efficient. The system is available in either 12 or 24-volt option.
Emerald Harbor Marine, which began operation in 1990, specializes in yacht systems installation and upgrades. Based at Elliott Bay Marina, Emerald Harbor also features its own electrical and carpentry shops on site at Canal Boatyard on the Ship Canal in Seattle. A WhisperGen™ is on display at the Elliott Bay showroom along with full information on the innovations behind the product.