11/12/2023
Zero Emission Electric Propulsion Systems are here now!!
Green, clean, sustainable & quiet solutions for leisure boating
Energy efficient systems for inclusion in new build boats or replacement of diesel engines in existing vessels. They feature novel use of existing technology alongside new developments to integrate propulsion, energy storage and solar harvesting into a single system. Recycling and use of renewable sources of energy reduce carbon footprint to a minimum.
Features:
• Repurposed and refurbished EV batteries
• Performance to suit area of operation
• River, estuary, coastal or longer range
• Backup generator for safety
• PV panels for LV battery charging
• Economical and silent
• Simple installation
• Re-uses tank space (for batteries) and engine bearers
A typical installation in a 10.4 metre motorboat will include 80kWh of 150VDC HV propulsion batteries with twin 100kW motors, giving speeds from an efficient (displacement) speed of 8Knots and a maximum (semi-displacement) speed of 13Knots and approximate ranges of 8hours and 4hours respectively.
A 20kW diesel generator directly charges the propulsion batteries and can be used whilst on the move, extending range significantly - especially at displacement speed.
Flexible photovoltaic (PV) panels on wheelhouse and cabin roofs indirectly charge the HV propulsion batteries via the LV battery. A full summer day could yield between 10% to 20% of HV charge by this means - a fine week in the marina could largely charge the HV batteries for free, making use of a shore power top up unnecessary or, at least, minimal. The PV panels are active at all times, including when on the move or at anchor.
All HV components are sealed and the HV battery packs are fitted with heat and gas sensors for added safety. The HV electrical installation complies with BS EN ISO 16315:2016 (incorporating corrigendum 2022) “Small craft — Electric propulsion system” and follows the recommendations in related publications.
All components of the system are integrated by CAN bus with the master controller for management, monitoring and diagnostics. This can be extended to remote monitoring and control via WiFi or through a Cloud website.
System Architecture
VMC – Vessel Master Controller
System controller, managing motors, batteries, generator & PV charging systems
• Provides overall energy management as well as monitoring and logging all components for safety & energy efficiency
• Connects to Cloud website to allow unattended monitoring & control of energy usage – eg shore power charging
UCD – User Controls and Display
• “Fly by wire” throttles with dual torque mode – docking or transit
• Master keyswitch and emergency stop
• User display of throttle position, motor rpm/power consumption/temperature, battery state/temperature & energy efficiency
HVBP – High Voltage Battery Pack
• Two packs of 150VDC 40kWh in 6 modules each (smaller and larger packs possible)
• Temperature controlled – liquid cooled
• Sealed unit vented to outboard
• Gas detectors & thermal sensors to monitor battery state
• Integrated plumbing for specialist lithium fire extinguishant
• Cell tap & temperature monitoring on each module
• Configurable to suit available space
BMC – Battery Monitor Controller
• Part of Battery Management System (BMS)
• Controls monitoring of cell taps (CTM)
• Monitors battery State of Charge (SoC)
• Performs cell balancing
• Controls charge rate
• Monitors module temperature
• Fully integrated into VMC
CTM – Cell Tap Monitor Unit
• Part of Battery Management System (BMS)
• Acquires voltage at each cell tap (8 per module)
• Acquires module temperature (two places per module)
• Communicates results to the BMC
MDU – Motor Drive Unit
• 100kW, 150V, 3 phase AC SRPM motor (smaller and larger power motors possible)
• Motor driver and invertor with tachometer torque and speed control
• Forced air or liquid cooled motor
• Direct drive to propeller shaft
• Radial & axial thrust bearings
• Very low maintenance (30, 000 hours)
• Low weight (100kg), low profile & small footprint
HVDG – High Voltage Diesel Generator
• 24kW, 150VDC generator directly charges HVBP
• 4 cylinder indirect cooled diesel engine – cool and quiet
• Low fuel consumption – 100L tank gives minimum 20 hours running
• Auto-start and speed control by BMS based on state of charge (SoC)
• Fully integrated into VMC
LVBP – Low Voltage Battery Pack
• 30VDC, 14kWh capacity (2 modules)
• Modules located in the HVBP enclosures
• Shares HVBP liquid cooling, gas detection, cell monitoring & fire safety
• Charged by PVC or SPMC under VMC control
PVC – Photo Voltaic Charger
• Flexible, thick film PV panels on cabin/wheelhouse roofs
• Strong and durable – can be walked on
• Charges LVBP directly via LV bus
• Charge transferred to HVBP (via INV & SPMC)
• Fully integrated into VMC
SPMC – Shore Power Mains Charger
• Charges HVBP directly
• Controlled by BMC
• Fully integrated into VMC
INV – DC to Mains Invertor
• 3kW, 230VAC pure sine wave output
• Powered from LVBP
• Fully integrated into VMC
