The Possibility of Using Electrical Motor for Boat Propulsion System

Abstract This research was intended to use electric motor in order to replace fossil fuel consumption engines. By focusing on the development of electrical propulsion system (EPS), one had to find the motor which was compatible with 4 m length boat model. The target of this development was attempting to design the electric drive which could reach up to 5 knots. The electricity of EPS was supplied by 4 batteries providing 24 volts of direct current, while thrust of the vessel was delivered by 3-phases 2.2 kW squirrel cage induction motor. The in-house designed inverter, converting from direct current system to 3-phase system, was coupled between batteries. The onsite experiment was carried out in the open-sea at Sriracha Bay, west of the campus. The results indicated that the maximum speed of the system could reach 5 knots within 1 kilometre distance.