Now offering a host of advanced engineering and technology upgrades that lower the cost of ownership, increase performance and reliability – not to mention allow future tech to be incorporated – Volvo Penta’s market-leading IPS and DPI driveline systems set the bar even higher in the marine sector. Not only that, new manufacturing technology and design concepts also allow for a longer service life of the drive, with less maintenance.
The IPS System
Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) was a revolution in marine technology when it was first launched in 2005. With 25,000 in the market, the company is now using its wealth of knowledge to upgrade the IPS to offer more power and enhanced capabilities to customers.
The system’s innovative design has forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers that sit below the hull for incredible ‘grip’ of the water. With the individual steerable pods controlled by the joystick, the IPS system provides superior handling and maneuverability, but the system also provides higher performance, lower fuel consumption and less noise and vibrations, compared to a conventional inboard shaft installation.
The IPS package provides up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption compared to inboard shaft installations, up to 15 percent faster acceleration and 20 percent higher top speeds. Noise and vibration levels are also reduced, by up to 50 percent. An IPS package can be installed in twin, triple or quadruple configurations.
“Even though the IPS and Aquamatic sterndrive were already superior propulsion systems, at Volvo Penta we listen to our customers and strive to deliver the highest boating standards,” says Chief Project Manager, Petter Andolf. “So in 2019 we have given both the IPS and the sterndrive a thorough revamp.”
2019 updates to the IPS System
The company has focused on updating the serviceability, reliability, and performance of its IPS. Some of the most recent updates include:
- Easier servicing: Volvo Penta has made it simpler than ever before to monitor and service the IPS system. Filters and oil can now be accessed easily from inside the hull and the oil only needs changing every second year. The new oil exchange concept is a major time saver and the boat can stay in the water during the operation. Sensors reading the differential oil pressure over the filters are added in order to identify clogging of filters quickly and accurately. Also a water in oil sensor is added to detect any ingress of water in an early state, preventing damages to the transmission.
- Greater reliability: Reliability has also been a key focus of the update. Gear material has been reinforced with high strength steel. The propeller shaft seal, input bearing carrier and upper shaft and bearings have also all been redesigned to improve durability. And overall cleanliness has been improved in the manufacturing process by investing in a completely new clean room assembly line – resulting in prolonged life and reliability for all parts.
“All these enhancements result in a lower cost of ownership, increased reliability and a boost in power for the IPS System,” says IPS Engineering Project Manager Lennart Arvidsson.
