GPX-5 Hybrid Power

Our Review
Mastervolts new Hybrid GPX-5 power plant wins an award in the Machinery, Mechanical and Electrical Systems section at METS 2009.

The GPX-5 combines a generator, inverter and battery charger with shore power to provide power when the onboard systems demand it. The GPX-5 offers 10 kW of start-up power.

With the GPX you will no longer have to decide if or when you need to start the generator to meet the demand of onboard systems. Air conditioning units and microwave develop high loads at start up and can consume lots of power. The GPX-5 generator and inverter work together to supply the required power, by using the batteries help to supply short demands in AC loads. This means the generator can be smaller.

The system senses new loads on the AC circuits and for 30 seconds the inverter supplies the power from the batteries, while the generator is started to pick up the load. The generator only runs when the loads demand it.

One novel feature is the ability to control the unit via phone or computer. The GPRS interface can be operated remotely with SMS texting. Here you can control all the electrical systems aboard a boat and even check fuel level.

The Hybrid GPX-5 is housed in a soundproof enclosure measuring 20 x 16 x 20 inches and weighing 176lbs. Compare this to a typical 10KW generator, which is much larger and heavier. Mastervolt GPX-5 System starts is available in 12V, 24V and 48V models, and comes with a MasterView Easy display.

In combining a variable speed diesel generator with inverter technology Mastervolt has created the first true hybrid electrical power system. The system doesnt need full operation, not even to handle harsh start-up currents like, for instance, your air-conditioning system. The GPX-5 offers 10 kW of start-up power and 2 kW continuously power from the Mastervolt batteries via the GPX. Thus, at start-up, the generator does not run, only when a continuous load exceeds 2 kW.

Saving on fuel, material, size and weight The revolutionary Mastervolt GPX-5 will also improve your fuel efficiency by 30-40%. First: the GPX-5 is equipped with a smaller generator since the batter helps to power short peaks in the AC load. Second: the generator will never run idle (or near idle), thus saving the most uneconomical running time. A permanent magnet alternator also generates power with a very high efficiency rate. Third: generator, inverter and charger are in one box and fully integrated. There is no energy loss in the transfer from generator to battery to inverter, saving you another 5-10%. Last but not least: the compact dimensions of the housing also save space and weight.

Marc Persoon, Marketing Manager for Mastervolt, says, “The Mastervolt GPX-5 is a revolution in the design of systems for the supply of onboard electrical power. Its a new generation of hybrid power supply that combines power from shore, batteries and generator in the most efficient way – and all in a much smaller package than a conventional power system. Theres nothing else that can match it on the market”.

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