Collection: EmpirBus

EmpirBus: Intelligent Marine Energy Management NMEA 2000

EmpirBus, a Garmin brand, specializes in advanced power management and distribution systems for professional marine applications. With its range of digital circuit breakers, battery monitors, and intelligent DC distribution panels, EmpirBus transforms onboard power management into a fully integrated, supervised, and secure system via NMEA 2000. Skysat deploys EmpirBus solutions to create modern, reliable, and scalable electrical architectures.

Digital Circuit Breakers and DC Distribution

EmpirBus digital circuit breakers replace traditional fuses and circuit breakers with intelligent modules offering protection, remote control, and real-time monitoring of each circuit.

• Circuit Breaker Modules: Electronic protection per channel with automatic or manual reset. Each output is individually monitored with current and voltage measurement, and overload or short-circuit detection. Configurable tripping thresholds adapted to each device.
• Intelligent Distribution Panels: Modular distribution units integrating up to 16 or 32 protected circuits. Mounting in a standard electrical cabinet with a single NMEA 2000 connection for complete electrical panel monitoring.
• Load Management: Automatic load shedding of non-priority circuits in case of excessive consumption or battery voltage drop. Intelligent scheduling to protect critical equipment (navigation, security) under all circumstances.

Battery and Energy Monitoring

EmpirBus offers advanced battery monitors to track charge status, charge/discharge cycles, and remaining battery life in real time. These systems integrate seamlessly with Garmin chartplotters for centralized display.

• Battery Management System (BMS): Multi-bank monitoring with high-precision shunts (500A, 1000A). Measurement of voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SOC) calculation with adaptive learning algorithm. Display of remaining battery life based on actual consumption.
• NMEA 2000 integration: Battery data is broadcast over the NMEA 2000 network for display on multifunction chartplotters, dedicated screens, or mobile applications. Configurable consumption history and alerts are provided in case of over-discharge or charging failure.
• Battery Compatibility: Supports lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium (LiFePO4) technologies. Charge curves and alarm thresholds can be configured to suit each battery chemistry.

Control and Automation

EmpirBus systems enable advanced automation of electrical management with scenario triggering, remote control, and integration with marine supervision platforms.

• Remote Controls: Activate/deactivate individual circuits from the Garmin chartplotter, a web interface, or a mobile application. Create consumption profiles (at anchor, navigating, in port) with automatic activation according to the operating mode.
• Automatic Scenarios: Programming of electrical management rules (e.g., turn off courtesy lighting after 2 hours of inactivity, start the generator if battery voltage < 12.0V, activate the water heater only when charging on shore power).
• Alarms and Notifications: Visual and audible alerts in case of overload, short circuit, excessive battery discharge, or equipment failure. Event logging for diagnostics and preventative maintenance.

Cabling and Installation

The EmpirBus architecture greatly simplifies onboard electrical wiring by centralizing distribution, reducing the number of fuses, and eliminating cluttered traditional circuit breaker panels.

• Reduced Cabling: Distribution modules can be installed in close proximity to the loads, thus reducing cable lengths and voltage drops. A single NMEA 2000 cable is sufficient for monitoring the entire electrical system.
• Scalability: Additional circuits can be added without redesigning the electrical panel. Modular installation allows for progressive expansion of the distribution system as needed (addition of equipment, conversion to electric).
• Compliance and Safety: Adherence to marine standards for circuit protection and electrical safety. Complete electrical installation documentation via the EmpirBus software interface.

💡 Skysat's advice

To fully leverage EmpirBus systems, integrate them from the initial design of the ship's electrical architecture. Combine digital circuit breakers with comprehensive battery monitoring and centralized supervision via a Garmin GPSMAP display for a complete, real-time view of the power status. Incorporate automatic load shedding scenarios to protect critical equipment in the event of a load failure. Thorough documentation of wiring and circuits will greatly facilitate maintenance and future upgrades.