[MHml] diesel-electric drive

[Kerry Thomas]

Interesting thread, ferries and the like have DE drive for control and 
space (electric generators, wiring and motors take up less passenger volume 
than gearboxes and shafts).   Look to tankers and cargo ships with direct 
drive diesals for fuel efficiency. The most economical power plant to 
install and run will be diesals for some time yet. Fuel cell technology may 
be the immediate future for small power plants.
However multis can benefit from the controllibility and placement 
flexibility of DE systems. The advantage i can see is placing a genset in 
the best position for stability and having well placed electric drives for 
control.