Impacts of the Form Design and Operational Factors on the Energy Consumption of a Solar-Powered Boat: A System Dynamics Approach

Abstract

This research paper aims to design a solar-powered boat and analyze the effects of environmental and form-related factors on power consumption and battery duration by utilizing a system dynamics approach-based simulation. The boat form is designed as the planing hull and its hull resistance analysis was ensured in Maxsurf package program. PV panels with 548 W power output and two battery packs with 4660 Wh capacity were placed on the hull body to employ an electric motor with a 10-kW nominal power output. Two MPPTs were implemented in the system to increase solar system efficiency. The relationships between all system components were modelled in Vensim software to observe battery endurance changes under different conditions. Results demonstrated that the ideal vessel speed is calculated to be around 7 knots with roughly 8 hours of battery duration for the designed boat. A critical stage of charge for sailing is 40% since 1.63 hours of cruising time may be achieved while maintaining a speed of 5 m/s (9.72 knots). Indeed, the boat’s rising trim angle shortens the battery discharge time; thus, navigation by no trim angle is the most effective usage for the vessel.