Small Vessel with Inboard Engine Retrofitting Concepts; Real Boat Tests, Laboratory Hybrid Drive Tests and Theoretical Studies

Abstract

The development of modern technologies and their increasing availability, as well as the falling costs of highly efficient propulsion systems and power sources, have resulted in electric or hybrid propulsions systems’ growing popularity for use on watercraft. Presented in the paper are design and lab tests of a prototype parallel hybrid propulsion system. It describes a concept of retrofitting a conventionally powered nine meter-long vessel with the system, and includes results of power and efficiency measurements, as well as calculations of the vessel’s operating range under the propulsion of its electric motor. The concept of adding of a solar panels array was studied.

Keywords

• ship retrofitting
• ship hybrid propulsion
• energy efficiency
• green shipping