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DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR ELECTRIC BOAT

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of

Bachelor of Engineering Degree in

Electrical and Electronics Engineering
By

S.SANTHOSH (Register No. 37140072)

G.PANDIARAJAN (Register No. 37140061)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING
SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

SATHYABAMA
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY)
Accredited with Grade “A” by NAAC
JEPPIAAR NAGAR, RAJIV GANDHI SALAI, CHENNAI - 600 119

APRIL 2021

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DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this Project Report is the bonafide work of

S.SANTHOSH (Reg. No. 37140072) and G.PANDIARAJAN (Reg. No. 37140061)
who carried out the project entitled “DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR
ELECTRIC BOAT" under our supervision from December 2020 to April 2021.

Dr. M.S.SANGEETHA
Internal Guide

Dr. V. SIVACHIDAMBARANATHAN
Head of the Department

Submitted for Viva voce Examination held on_____________________

Name:

Signature:

Internal Examiner External Examiner

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DECLARATION
We S.SANTHOSH (Reg. No. 37140072) and G.PANDIARAJAN

(Reg. No. 37140061) hereby declare that the Project Report entitled “DESIGN &

DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR ELECTRIC BOAT” done by us under the guidance of

Dr. M. S.SANGEETHA is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the

award of Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

1.

2.

DATE: SIGNATURE OF THE CANDIDATES

PLACE:

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are pleased to acknowledge our sincere thanks to the Board of

Management of SATHYABAMA for their kind encouragement in doing this project
and for completing it successfully. We are grateful to them.

We convey our thanks to Dr. N. M. Nandhitha., Dean, School of

Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Dr. V. Sivachidambaranathan,
Head of the Department, Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering for
providing us necessary support and details at the right time during the progressive
reviews.

We would like to express our sincere and deep sense of gratitude to our
Project Guide Dr. M.S.SANGEETHA for his valuable guidance, suggestions and
constant encouragement paved the way for the successful completion of our
project work.

We wish to express our thanks to all Teaching and Non-teaching staff

members of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering who were
helpful in many ways for the completion of the project.

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ABSTRACT

Using solar energy to your own advantage is a very old

concept and goes back millions of years. All life on earth depends on the sun in
some way. Using sun energy to create electricity is also not such a new concept.
Research on it began as early as 1839 when Alexandre Edmond Becquerel
observed a photoelectric effect when an electrode in a solution of conductive liquid
became charged when in sunlight1. In this project I am going to explore the
possibility of making a boat that is powered solely from the sun. I will then design
and make a working model. It is generally thought that solar power is limited to
sunny locations. However, contrary to what most people think, solar panels still can
get energy if the sky is overcast but they do not absorb as much energy. Therefore,
designing a solar powered boat for use in The Netherland is not that farfetched.
Currently, there is a huge amount of research going into solar power and many new
technologies are being discovered. Over the past few years new flexible and light
solar panels have been invented and because of those it will be much easier to
make a solar powered boat.

I have absolutely no previous knowledge of solar power however I do

know a fair bit about model boats. Therefore, I am hoping to build on my knowledge
of model boats and learn more about using solar energy. Furthermore, by presenting
my work I am also hoping to raise awareness in the school about possible alternative
energies and the great potential that solar energy has.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER NO TITLE PAGENO

ABSTRACT V

LIST OF FIGURES VI

LIST OF TABLES IX

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.2 LITERATURE SURVEY 2

1.3DRAWBACKS OF EXISTING SYSTEM 4

1.4 ADVANTAGE OF PROPOSED SYSTEM 4

2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 PROPOSED SYSTEM 5

2.1 PV BOAT 5

6
2.3 PV MODULES
2.4 BLOCK DIAGRAM 7

2.4.1 MPPT 8

2.4.2 DEVELOPMENT OF MPPT IN SOLAR 8

BOAT
2.4.3 BATTERIES 8

2.4.4 CHARGE AND DISCHARGE CONTROLLER 9

2.4.5 MANAGEMENT CONTROL 9

2.5 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN METHODS 9

2.6 DESIGN CRITERIA 10

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3 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
3.1 SIMULATION 12

3.1.1MATLAB\SIMULINK 12

3.1.1.1 MATLAB DESCRIPTION 12

12
3.1.2 SIMULINK

12
3.1.3Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithms
13
3.1.3.1 Perturb and observe
15
3.1.3.2 MPPT ADVANTAGES
3.2 SIMULATION CIRCUIT AND RESULTS

3.2.1 SIMULATION CIRCUIT 15

3.2.2 SIMULATION CIRCUIT FOR BATTERY 16

CHARGING
17
3.3 SIMULATION RESULTS

3.3.1 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED DC-

17
DC

CONVERTER
18
3.3.2 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED
CHARGE OF BATTERY

19
3.3.3 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED
CHARGE OF CURRENT

3.3.4 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED 20

BATTERY OUTPUT VOLTAGE

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4 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
4.1 HARDWARE 21

4.1.1 DC MOTOR 21

4.1.2 DC TO DC BOOST CONVERTER 21

4.1.3 DC MOTOR DRIVE 22

4.1.4 BLUETOOTH MODULE 23

4.1.5 LEAD ACID BATTERY 24

4.1.6 SOLAR PANEL 24

4.1.7 ARDUINO 25

4.1.8 PROPELLER 26

4.2 HARDWARE RESULT 27

5 5.1 CONCLUSION & FUTURE SCOPE

5.1.1 CONCLUSION 28

5.1.2 FUTURE SCOPE 29

REFERENCES 30

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LIST OF FIGURES

FIG NO TITLE PAGE NO

2.4 Block diagram of proposed method 7

3.1.3.1 Fig Perturb and observe 13

3.1.3.2 14
Incremental conductance

3.2.2 Simulation circuit for battery charging 16

3.3.1 Output parameters of simulated DC-DC converter 17

3.3.2 Output parameters of simulated charge of battery 18

3.3.3 Output parameters of simulated charge of current 19

3.3.4 Output parameters of simulated battery output 20

voltage
4.1.1 Dc motor 21

4.1.2 DC to DC boost converter 21

4.1.3 DC motor drive 22

4.1.4 Bluetooth module 23

4.1.5 Lead Acid battery 23

4.1.6 Solar panel 24

4.1.7 Arduino 25

4.1.8 Propeller 26

4.2 Hardware kit 27

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CHAPTER 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In modern society fossil fuels are the most commonly used

primary energy sources. Which are used for various applications, such as transport,
lighting and heating. At least 70% of the electrical energy is generated by using
fossil fuels, from this coal is the most important one. In 2010, the International
Energy Agency (IEA) stated that the need for fossil fuels to generate electrical
energy has increased 67% from 1990 to 2007.

Transport is a large consumer of the petroleum products

which gives various emissions such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and in
particular CO2 worldwide. The report from the IEA in 2009, estimated that 25% of
CO2 emissions originated by transportation. All over the world fossil fuel is the most
important source for transportation. The VOCs, CO2, NOx and CH4 are emitted by
the type of fuel, contamination and combustion process. Whether we can reduce
these emissions that can extend the lifespan of our resources and provide benefits
to the natural environment.

In order to reduce the use of non-renewable energy like fossil

fuel in the transport, we have to make use of renewable energy. Photovoltaic (PV)
solar power, wind power, hydro power and other renewable energy sources can
generate electrical energy that can provide for almost all of our energy needs with
negligible CO2 emissions. In this framework, particular building and retrofitting boats
with electric propulsion is a topic of interest for the province. While operating the
boat there is no sound and there is no pollution are considered advantages for
keeping large lake areas green, silent and clean. One example is whether or not
boats can be powered through renewable energy technologies, such as PV.

That is, multiple PV panels are connected serial and

in parallel to share one inverter having maximum point tracker. One major drawback
for such system is the shading effect. Small percentage of shading area can result
in a tremendous amount of energy loss. Similarly, panel aging effect caused

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mismatching within the system also reduces total energy output. One of the
solutions to the problem is called the ‘Distributed’ photovoltaic system which
involves using a dedicated DC/DC converter attached to each of the PV panels. For
such a setup, one can control every PV panel independently in order to minimize
the effect caused by panel shading or mismatching. Our team focuses on the
development of a new generation of the distributed system including various MPPT
algorithms, award winning design of the DC/DC converter and the patented
controller system for PV application. After successfully testing on a grid-connected
PV application, attention is focused on the application of a standalone PV system.

A solar powered boat demonstrates a complicated

standalone system application, since it not only produces rolling, pitching motion,
and ship stability problems, but also the PV panels on board encounter fast change
of solar insolation intensity. Previously, we reported a special technique called
dynamic MPPT process that is especially suitable for marine application. By
integrating the patented hardware and the firmware, the latest design and rework
on a solar boat is presented. Some review on the ship design, space requirement
for PV panel installation, DC/DC power optimizer, the quadratic MPPT algorithm
and central controller, and system integration with propulsion motors will be given.
This methodology has been realized in a solar boat running at Love River in
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. This work provides a framework to help the domestic
leisure yacht builder adopting the renewable solar energy technology and promoting
the new solar ship design with higher percentage green energy penetration. This
dissertation explains what PV technology comprises and what PV boats are. This
chapter concludes with previous research and therefore the research questions
addressing bottlenecks of the mixing of PV into boats

1.2 LITERATURE SURVEY

1.2.1 Photovoltaic dynamic MPPT on a moving vehicle, Solar Energy
In addition to the conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic
panel, the Peak Point Tracking (MPPT) method also plays a central role in
getting the most energy from the sun. The MPPT unit in a moving vehicle must
maintain high tracking accuracy to compensate for the rapid change in insolation
due to the dynamic movement of the vehicle. In this article, some problems of a

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photovoltaic system related to a moving vehicle are addressed and a modified

quadratic maximization MPPT algorithm is proposed. Theoretical PV
performance is linked to the experimental test followed by the Sandia dynamic
test protocol to verify the proposed MPPT method. Finally, the experimental
result on a ship model is discussed.

1.2.2 Solar-powered boat design optimization, procedural engineering

This article presents a strategy for designing a solar-

powered boat to calculate the dimensions of a photovoltaic (PV) system with
minimal cost. Two-stage optimization procedures have been proposed. The first
stage can be a simplified ship size optimization supporting the prevailing ship
design to obtain the minimum propulsion power using the gold panning section
algorithm. The second stage is the optimization of the size of the photovoltaic
system to obtain the quantity of photovoltaic module (PV) and battery with a
minimum cost by using the Simplex algorithm. A pleasure passenger catamaran
operated in Taiwan with a capacity of 42 people is chosen as a case study. The
service speed of the boat is 5 knots with a total cruise duration of around 5 hours.
In this case, a 280-watt multi-crystalline photovoltaic module and a 12-volt, 90-
Ah lead-acid accumulator are chosen. From the simulation, it is obtained that the
optimal ship has 32 photovoltaic modules (8.96 kW), 32 batteries (34.56 kWh),
14.44 meters of waterline length, 4.37 meters of width, 0.852 meters of the draft,
and 16,258 tons of total displacement with photovoltaics. The annual capital cost
of the system around USD3, 557.

1.2.3. Topology study of the photovoltaic interface to monitor the point of

maximum power

This article analyzes the performance of PV modules

under non-ideal conditions and proposes topologies to mitigate performance
degradation caused by these conditions. It is found that the height point of a
module is significantly reduced thanks to the less shading of the module, which
this effect spreads through other non-taxable modules connected in series with
the shading.

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1.3 DRAWBACKS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM

The use of fossil fuel engines in ships causes

environmental pollution. It needs more maintenance compared to solar-powered
boats. Today, the daily increase in the price of petroleum products makes it
expensive to travel by boat not only in boats but also in all the fossil fuel engine
transport used. In the normal engine, boats produce a huge noise when
accelerating and it can irritate the life of boat trips. The fuel-powered boat burns
the fuel and emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and is harmful to the
land. Using fuel engines takes more space and there will be some oil leaks that
will make the boat look like it is not clean and it will also need more maintenance.

1.4 ADVANTAGES OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEM

They are environmentally friendly, reducing carbon

emissions, lowering noise levels, and eliminating the cost of fuel. This boat saves
more fuel costs. We are not saying that it is completely silent while driving, but
solar boats produce less sound when traveling. Whether we are not using the
boat, the solar panels continuously charge the batteries. So the stored energy
can be at any time when we do not need to load the boat urgently. Solar panels
can also restore a boat's batteries, helping you hold the boat as a backup in case
the batteries require an additional charge. And also act as an additional energy
source to existing electrical sources. At an equivalent time, solar energy is often
stored for later use. Almost anything is possible with a solar boat. You can charge
all your devices, such as mobile phones and laptops while browsing. These
devices never run out of battery while the panels are charged. Almost anything
can be possible in a solar boat, as we can charge all devices such as mobiles,
laptops, and any other electronic device that is carried for shipping..

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CHAPTER-2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

2.1 PROPOSED SYSTEM

In this project, we have proposed an innovative battery

charge/discharge management. With this management, we have optimized battery
life, and during navigation, we have real-time control of the navigation autonomy.
Also, we have designed ships with zero pollution and really low operating costs; all
the energy required for navigation comes from renewable sources. The electricity
produced by photovoltaic energy is safer and more benign for the environment than
conventional sources of energy production. However, there are health, safety, and
environmental concerns associated with the manufacture, use, and disposal of
photovoltaic equipment. Manufacturing electronic equipment consumes a lot of
energy. The electricity produced is higher than that required to manufacture the
photovoltaic modules, and therefore the energy break-even point is typically
reached over three to 6 years.

2.2 PHOTOVOLTAIC BOAT

A photovoltaic boat is a boat that sails solely on

photovoltaic energy generated in daylight conditions. The energy in a photovoltaic
boat is generated solely through solar means and is stored in batteries. This energy
is used primarily for propulsion. Navigation, security, lighting, and housing are the
secondary loads or Hotel Electric Energy (HEP) loads. According to Waechter,
boats are much more feasible to navigate with photovoltaics compared to, for
example, cars, since at lower speeds photovoltaic boats consume less energy.
However, with increasing size, PV boats are becoming less and less feasible, even
at lower speeds. Also, PV boats that are equipped with a wide variety of electrical
appliances may not be suitable to be powered by PV alone. In that case,
combinations of photovoltaics with other energy sources are an option. Photovoltaic
systems do not contain moving parts, so their maintenance demand is relatively low.
Photovoltaic systems can consist of photovoltaic modules, one or more maximum
power point trackers (MPPT), a battery management system (BMS), energy
storage, and typically DC / DC converters.
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2.3 PV MODULES

Photovoltaic modules convert solar radiation into electrical

energy. There are various configurations of photovoltaic modules and, in general,
photovoltaic modules generate low voltage direct current (DC) power. Most
photovoltaic modules have an efficiency in the range between 10% and 20%. As a
general rule of thumb, the higher the efficiency of the PV modules, the more
expensive they are. A photovoltaic module consists of photovoltaic cells connected
in parallel, in series, or a combination of both. There are several photovoltaic cell
technologies, of which c-Si is the most widely used. Other technologies include
amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium
selenide (CIGS) in thin-film photovoltaic modules and various combinations of
materials such as gallium arsenide (GaAs). and the phosphorus of indium and
gallium (in spaces) in multifunction cells. In general, thin-film PV modules, such as
those based on CdTe and CIGS, are cheaper in the range of 0.80 e / Wp to 2.00 e
/ Wp [26]. However, the efficiency of your PV module is in the range of 7% to 13%.
Multi-function PV modules are the most expensive, but have module efficiencies in
the 25% to 30% range. Under concentrated irradiation, the cost range of
multifunction photovoltaic modules is between e 2.50 / Wp and e 4.50 / Wp. Some
PV module technologies offer a useful life of more than 25 years. During this period,
production typically decreases by 10-20%. The cost of the photovoltaic module and
the efficiency ranges of the photovoltaic module for common photovoltaic
technologies.

More about this source text Source text required for additional translation
information send feedback Side panels

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2.4 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF PROPOSED METHOD

PV Converte Battery
r

MPPT

Driver1
Motor1

Driver2
Motor2

Arduino controller

Fig2.4 BLOCK DIAGRAM PROPOSED METHOD

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2.4.1 MPPT

MPPTs let the PV module operate in its Maximum point (MPP).

Electronics in the MPPT vary the electrical load which is applied to the PV module.
With search algorithms, the combination of voltage and current is found which
delivers the most power.

2.4.2 DEVELOPMENT OF MPPT IN SOLAR BOAT

Maximum power point tracking is a method to increase

PV systems efficiency by maximizing PV output power at every weather condition.
PV modules have different maximum power at each weather condition, especially
at different solar irradiation. The value of PV maximum power at each weather
condition can be obtained if the PV output voltage is at a certain value, called
Maximum Power Point (MPP) voltage. MPPT features a role to get optimum voltage
reference for DC-DC converter in order that PV can produce its maximum power at
every different condition. There are dozens of PV MPPT methods that have been
developed. Some of them are non-artificial intelligent techniques while some are
artificial intelligent based. The examples of non-artificial intelligent MPPT methods
are Perturb & Observe, incremental conductance, and fractional open circuit
method. The most well-known artificial intelligent MPPT methods are fuzzy logic and
neural networks. Specifically develop MPPT for solar-powered boat application.

MPPT in moving objects like boats must have fast

response because the sun irradiation may change rapidly. Both of those references
use modification of the Quadratic Maximization algorithm to track PV maximum
power. Quadratic Maximization algorithm works by approximate correlatiolation
between PV power and converter duty cycle through quadratic curve function. The
limitations of Quadratic Maximization algorithms for moving objects are duty
shafting, re-tracking and convergence. This algorithm is validated through
comparing simulation results with the P & O algorithm under change of either sun
irradiation or temperature condition. The results show that the proposed algorithm
has fast response and better efficiency than P&O. The proposed method has also
been applied in model ships and shows good results. It can be concluded that the
proposed MPPT method is very suitable for a solar-powered boat system.

2.4.3 BATTERIES

Batteries are chemical systems during which electric energy are

often stored temporarily. Most cells from batteries work at a low voltage, in a range
between 1.2 V and 3.7 V. By connecting these cells in series, more useful voltages
can be achieved. Various rechargeable battery technologies exist, such as lead-
acid, Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or Nickel-Cadmium.

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2.4.4 CHARGE AND DISCHARGE CONTROLLER

Charge controller, through the information received by the

management control, sends the energy that comes from the photovoltaic array, to
the fully discharged battery bank. During the charge process, the charge controller
measures the flow of incoming energy in the battery bank. When the battery bank
is totally charged, the energy flow is shipped to a different fully discharged battery
bank. In the eventuality that there are not any fully discharged battery banks the
energy flow is shipped to the hundreds through the discharge controller; in
alternative, the energy flow is sent to the grid if it's connected. The discharge control
carries to discharge fully one battery bank at a time. During the discharge process
the discharge control measures the energy flow and management control compares
this with one memorized during the preceding charge. Through this comparison it is
possible to establish the aging of the battery and to determine the real storable
energy.

2.4.5 MANAGEMENT CONTROL

The principal assignment of the management control

system is to determine the real available energy for the navigation and to furnish
information on the ship's autonomy. To realize this assignment, the system
preserves information of the flows of energy and manages the entire
discharge/charge of the battery banks. The performances of all electrical systems
are monitored by the management control. It manages the discharge of the single
battery bank one at a time. With this management strategy we check the battery life
and limit the number of charges/discharge. In our system, the sizing of battery
capacity has been selected in such a way that, with an opportune control, at most
only one cycle of charge/discharge could be done during the navigation.
Considering that our batteries bear 2000 complete discharges with a loss within the
20% the time life of the batteries will be greater than 10 years.

2.5 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN METHODS

Opportunities can be identified with respect to

increasing the energy efficiency of PV boats, reducing the cost and increasing the
usability and aesthetics of PV boats. From a technical point of view, many
opportunities for and applications of sustainable energy technologies exist. The
success of sustainable energy solutions in products can be increased by applying
IDE methods. Common practice up until the early 2000s was to design products
with sustainable energy technologies from a technical point of view: the main focus
was to increase the technology’s energy yield.

This is also the case for PV boats, which show since

1975 advances in maximum speeds and sailing autonomy. However, advances in
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cost, usability and aesthetics stayed behind. Reindeers point out that not only
advances in technology are key to the success of sustainable energy solutions.
They state that the success of an energy solution for PV boats is dependent on five
key factors:

• Technical aspects.

• Financial aspects.

• Social aspects.

• User aspects.

• Design Styling.

Assume that interdisciplinary design methods can create better

solutions compared to methods which focus only on optimizing energy solutions.
This is illustrated in Figure 1.9. Naturally, the end user plays an important role in the
acceptance of new forms of energy and energy efficiency, also at the level of use of
energy systems. User interaction with an energy system can affect the quality of the
system’s functions and the corresponding perception of usefulness and comfort by
the end user. The practical use of good technologies and also by good technologies
and also by using new technologies, opportunities exist in creating better performing
PV boats. For example, recent developments in new battery technologies, such as
lead acid made it possible to develop better performing PV boats. However, such
technologies also find their way in other areas. Battery technology developed for PV
boats were used in solar cars which participated in the World Solar Challenge 2013.
Two of these cars reached 1st and 3rd place as a result. In the case of PV boats,
marketing can play an important role to emphasize on the benefits of PV boats over
other, more common, forms of transport on the water with IC engines. The societal
context must be identified to find opportunities in PV boat design and the way these
opportunities are often translated to successful PV boat design. Human factors play
a crucial role within the design of PV boats. Design Styling can be a means to make
PV boats more attractive, or distinctive compared with other more conventional
boats. Therefore, in product development such as PV boats, IDE plays an important
role. IDE can be seen as a crossover between industrial design and design
engineering. Both fields try to solve design problems, however industrial designers
tend to focus on the life styling features of a product, whereas design engineers
focus on the technological features of PV boats.

2.6 DESIGN CRITERIA

The design of a product is good if it's certain criteria. A

good set of criteria important to reach a good design. Testing of the criteria is
determining which criteria are acceptable and which are not. In a design process of
a posh product, like a PV boat, different people with different disciplines work

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together. Their goal is to conceive a good design. Therefore, criteria are needed to
make it clear for everybody what the design should be. The design criteria
formulated in this section are helpful to improve the technical performance of PV
boats. Societal aspects are not considered in this dissertation, because clear
indicators showed the need for a theoretical model with which PV boats’
performance could be evaluated in an early design stage. Performance related to a
number of physical parameters such as speed and power are easily measurable
and thus used as performance indicators in this dissertation. The design criteria act
more as directives or guidelines and should not be considered as design constraints.
In that way, the design process of new products is more open for innovation, which
is also needed in the design and development of PV boats. A list of criteria is usually
the result form a creative process, since this list of criteria is the first step in product
design. One of the threats of design criteria is that the list of criteria can grow long.
As a result, too many criteria can lead to difficulties in evaluation. First it is important
to focus on the main items and not to get into much detail. In a later stage, such as
the embodiment phase, the more detailed criteria will be evaluated. Furthermore, it
is impossible to state all the design criteria in the first phase.

Usually, design criteria are adapted as a result from

findings in later phases of the design process. Research in 2006 described the
developments of PV boats. From this research, four key functions were identified
where PV brings additional value to boats. These four functions are:

1. Propulsion.

2. Navigation, safety and lighting.

3. Living.

4. Battery charging.

More or less, these four functions can be merged into two functions for the PV boat.
First, the energy needed for the propulsion (1) can be identified and secondly the
energy need for other load such as navigation (2) and living (3), which are called
HEP loads. The last function, battery charging (4) can be neglected, since a
(partially) charged battery is always needed to provide for the energy needed for the
propulsion and HEP loads on a PV boat. It is therefore not a function which brings
additional value to a PV boat but it's mandatory on a PV boat. In the research from
some design criteria have been stated, which might lead to better design of PV
boats. However, PV has been considered more as an add-on than being part of the
boat. Their findings were that if PV boats should come successful, the relatively high
capital cost of PV boats should be tackled. Secondly, the aesthetic appearance of
PV boats should be increased. Subsequently, more surface area for PV modules
needs to be created. Furthermore, the energy density of batteries needs to increase.
And finally, the energy efficiency of the PV boat needs to increase. A complete
overview of design criteria for PV boats.
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CHAPTER-3

3.1 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION

3.1.1MATLAB\SIMULINK

3.1.1.1 MATLAB DESCRIPTION

MATLAB may be a software package for computation in engineering, science, and

applied math. It offers a strong programing language, excellent graphics, and a good
range of expert knowledge. MATLAB is published by and a trademark of the math’s
Works. Developed by MATHWORKS, MATLAB allows matrix manipulations,
plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user
interfaces, and interfacing with programs written in other languages. An additional
package, SIMULINK, adds graphical multi-domain simulation and Model-Based
Design for dynamic and embedded systems.

3.1.2 SIMULINK

Simulink (Simulation and Link) is a MATLAB extension of Math works Inc. It works
with MATLAB to provide modeling, simulation, and analysis of dynamic systems in
a graphical interface (GUI) environment. Building a model is simplified with a mouse
click and drag operations. Simulink includes a complete block library of toolboxes
for linear and nonlinear analysis. Models are hierarchical, allowing both top-down
and bottom-up approaches to be used. Because Simulink is an integral part of
MATLAB, it is easy to modify back and forth during the analysis process, and
therefore the user can take full advantage of the features offered in both
environments. This tutorial introduces the essential features of Simulink and focuses
on control systems because it has been written for college students on my control
systems.

3.1.3 Maximum power point tracking algorithms

As explained above, MPPT algorithms are necessary for photovoltaic applications

because the MPP of a solar panel varies with irradiance and temperature, thus
requiring the use of MPPT algorithms to obtain the maximum power from a solar
battery. Over the past decades, many methods for searching for MPP have been
developed and published. These techniques differ in many aspects such as required
sensors, complexity, cost, range of effectiveness, and speed of convergence,
correct monitoring in case of irradiation and/or natural process, the hardware
necessary for implementation or popularity, among others. A full review of 19
different MPPT algorithms is often found.

Among these techniques, the P&O and In Cond algorithms are the most common.
These techniques have the advantage of being simple to implement but even have
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drawbacks, as will be seen later. Other techniques that support different principles
are mathematical logic control, neural network, circuit fractional voltage or short
current, current sweep, etc. an approximate MPP, not the precise one. Under normal
conditions, the V-P curve has only one maximum, so it is not a drag. However, if the
PV field is partially shaded, there are multiple maxima on these curves. To alleviate
this problem, some algorithms are implemented.

3.1.3.1 Disturb and observe

The P&O algorithm is also called "hill-climbing", but both names refer to the same
algorithm depending on how it is implemented. Acceleration involves a disturbance
in the duty cycle of the power converter and P&O a disturbance in the

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Fig 3.1.3.1 Perturb and observe

Operating voltage of the DC link between the PV array and the power
converter. In the case of the Hill-climbing, perturbing the duty cycle of the power
converter implies modifying the voltage of the DC link between the PV array and the
power converter, so both names refer to the same technique. In this method, the
sign of the last perturbation and the sign of the last increment in the power are used
to decide what the next perturbation should be

If there is an increment in the power, the perturbation should be kept in the same
direction and if the power decreases, then the next perturbation should be in the
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opposite direction. Based on these facts, the algorithm is implemented. The process
is repeated until the MPP is reached. Then the operating point oscillates around the
MPP.

3.1.3.2 Incremental conductance

The incremental conductance algorithm is based on the fact

that the slope of the curve power vs. voltage (current) of the PV module is zero at
the MPP, positive (negative) on the left of it and negative (positive) on the right

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By comparing the increment of the power vs. the increment of the voltage (current)
between two consecutives samples, the change in the MPP voltage can be
determined.

3.1.3.3 MPPT ADVANTAGES

MPPT ensures that you get the most power possible from
your solar panels at any point in time. It is particularly effective during low light level
conditions. These calculations result in an output that delivers maximum current at
the required voltage at any point in time. During low light level situations it will
compensate for the low light level and find the new point at which the solar cell
delivers its maximum power output.

3.2 SIMULATION CIRCUIT AND RESULTS

3.2.1 SIMULATION CIRCUIT

The simulation of the project was carried out in the mat lab. Closed
loop control of the motor with respect to speed and torque was achieved. Simulation
Circuit Diagram for Modified Isolated Step up- DC to DC Converter and MPPT is
also shown the figures in the subsequent pages show the following output
parameters of the simulation setup

• PV panel is connected to DC – DC to converter and MPPT.

• PV panel is given solar energy for input of DC – DC to converter.
• The simulated value of DC Output voltage of the voltage measurement.
• DC to DC converter connected in a battery.
• The simulated closed loop for battery charging.

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3.2.2 SIMULATION CIRCUIT FOR BATTERY CHARGING

Fig 3.2.2 SIMULATION CIRCUIT FOR BATTERY CHARGING

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3.3 SIMULATION RESULTS

3.3.1 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED DC-DC CONVERTER

Boost converter output = 100v

Fig 3.3.1 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED DC-DC

CONVERTER

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3.3.2 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED CHARGE OF BATTERY

State of charge in% = 80%

Fig 3.3.2 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED CHARGE OF

BATTERY

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3.3.3 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED CHARGE OF CURRENT

Charge of current = 5.4A

Fig 3.3.3 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED CHARGE OF CURRENT

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3.3.4 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED BATTERY OUTPUT VOLTAGE

Battery of voltage = 100v

Fig 3.3.4 OUTPUT PARAMETERS OF SIMULATED BATTERY OUTPUT

VOLTAGE

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CHAPTER-4

4.1 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

4.1.1 DC MOTOR

Fig 4.1.1 DC motor

In this project we are using the 12 volt DC motor of 500

RPM.Which is used as propulsion of the boat. That makes the boat move front,
back, left and right direction. Each motor is controlled by a motor driver and it is
regulated by Arduino.

4.1.2 DC TO DC BOOST CONVERTER

Fig 4.1.2 DC TO DC BOOST CONVERTER

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The dc to dc converter input is connected to the solar panel

and the output is boosted and connected to the Arduino which makes the constant
voltage is given to the motor by using his maximum power point tracking algorithm.

4.1.3 DC MOTOR DRIVE

Fig 4.1.3 DC MOTOR DRIVE

The DC motor drive is a type of amplifier or power modulator that integrates

between the controller and a DC motor. It takes the low current and then
converts it into a high current which is appropriate for the motor.

Driver circuit plays two function in this project,

• One is an auto coupler which gives constant input to the Arduino of 5

to 9 volt.
• Second one is to boost the Arduino output of 5v to 12v to the MOSFET
which makes it work.

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4.1.4 BLUETOOTH MODULE

Fig 4.1.4 BLUETOOTH MODULE

The Bluetooth module acts as a wireless control of the boat

using a simple mobile application. The range of the Bluetooth module is 5 to 10
meter range.

4.1.5 LEAD ACID BATTERY

Fig 4.1.5 LEAD ACID BATTERY

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A 12v lead acid battery is used to power the components

which are used in this project. These types of batteries are easy to charge and
discharge. This is a high performance sealed maintenance free battery with
constant Voltage Charge (12Volt1.3Ah). These lead acid batteries are sealed
maintenance free batteries. The output current of a constant voltage charger will
reduce as the battery charges. So the battery will take around 8 hours to reach 80%
capacity. There will be no loss in power output over the battery life. Low self-
discharge of about 2-3% per month compared with 20-30% for more common
battery systems. Quality construction with no compromise on materials to ensure a
long service life. Low internal resistance means a high discharge rate. Wide
operating temperature range operating between -15° C to +50 ° C when fully
charged.

4.1.6 SOLAR PANEL

Fig 4.1.6 SOLAR PANEL

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The solar panel of 5 v/500mah is used in this project which gives

the power to the boat and charges the battery for backup power. This is the main
power source of the boat and also a renewable source.

4.1.7 ARDUINO

Fig 4.1.7 ARDUINO

In this prototype, two Arduino are used controlling, one Arduino is

used to maintain the PWM pulse which is connected to the MPPT circuit to ensure
constant output. Another Arduino is used to control the motor driver circuit and also
for the Bluetooth module to control the direction of the motor by using the mobile
application. Arduino is an open source electronics platform based on easy to use
hardware and software. It is used to control the sensors and other hardware
devices.in this project we are using two Arduino.

• One of the Arduino is used to maintain the PWM pulse which is connected to
the MMPT to ensure that the constant output is getting or not.
• Second one is used to control the motor drive which makes the boat to
navigate in all the directions and also Bluetooth module is connected to the
Arduino which can be controlled by a mobile application which makes it as a
wireless control of the boat to turn and front, back movement.

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4.1.8 PROPELLER

Fig 4.1.8 PROPELLER

The purpose of the propeller is to provide a method of

propulsion so the aircraft is able to move forward through the air. The propeller itself
consists of two or more blades connected together by a central hub that attaches
the blades to the engine shaft.

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4.2 HARDWARE RESULT

Fig 4.2 HARDWARE RESULT

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CHAPTER-5

5.1 CONCLUSION & FUTURE SCOPE

5.1.1 CONCLUSION

My overall goal on this project was to research, design, build and test a solar
powered model ship. I achieved all of these goals. I found out that solar panels work
by using a semiconductor material like silicon to absorb energy from the sun and
then two metal contacts built into the panel create an electrical circuit to use the
energy from the solar panel. If I had used the first set of hulls I made, the ship
probably would have sunk. The second hulls I made kept the boat high in the water
and were definitely a huge improvement. The ship remained afloat during all the
tests. The motor ran, it spun the shaft which in turn spun the propeller that was
propelling the boat forward at about 1 meter per second (~ 3.6 km / h) .I have tested
the boat working directly from the solar panels and it was even more fast though
when the ship sailed in the shade and slowed down. The reason the boat was faster
when in sunlight was because solar panels can produce more voltage (more than 8
volts), which means more power when in sunlight than the battery you have a
maximum voltage of 6. And give the boat a good look, the rest of the boat is not
really "attractive" to the eye. So in that sense, I didn't fully achieve my goal, which
was to design an attractive model ship. However, after many tests, I can definitely
conclude that the solar boat works.

With no power loss due to battery charging / discharging, the new design instantly
improves energy efficiency by almost 28% (assuming 85% charge / discharge
efficiency). Considering that 40% of the operating energy comes directly from the
solar system, the new system can provide more than 50% of the energy required
for daily operation on a sunny day. In addition, the cost of lithium ion battery is at
least 3 times higher than AGM lead acid battery, and the large capacity lithium ion
battery management system is very sensitive and vulnerable during the charging
process. / download. For every five years, the ship-owner struggles to replace a new
battery system due to the extremely high cost. An independent study shows that
after an optimal design of a solar boat, the total cost of the solar system for a 45 foot
with a lithium-ion battery can be six times more compared to the new design with
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the lead-acid battery- acid. However, a weight reduction of 1000 kg is necessary for
a competing vessel of this type. The mission-based design of the solar boat can
accurately assess the energy balance between the battery system and the
photovoltaic system. By reducing the total cost, it will definitely help to promote the
solar system applied to the recreational type solar boat. Hopefully, it won't be long
before we see a sustainable eco-friendly vessel operating in a beautiful landscape
like Sun Moon Lake in Taiwan.

A very important part of this project was learning how I approach learning
(Approaches to Learning). During this project I learned many things, not only about
solar energy and information related to boat design, but I also learned more about
myself. The technical things I learned through this project are: how solar panels
work and how to connect them together; on battery charging and amp hours; about
different types of helmets, their characteristics and effects; on electric motors and
different types of propeller shafts. This technical learning was pretty easy for me.

4.1.2 FUTURE SCOPE

In the future, it is interesting to take a closer look at how to design a hardtop in such
a way that it is adaptable to a wider range of boats. Since the chosen grid connection
components are not common in this thesis, a detailed economic analysis of the
complete powertrain, including the hardtop, must be performed for a large-scale
production scenario. In addition, some future improvements could be made such as
some aerodynamic elements, the design of a structure for the solar panels or the
greater movement capacity of the orientation system (which in this thesis has been
designed conceptually). Finally, it would be of interest to design the different
components (for example, motor and batteries) to obtain product specifications that
can better satisfy the market demands.

In the future, it will be used for ocean freight instead of fuel-powered ships. This
makes it free from contamination and makes maintenance easier compared to More
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