With the technological advances of recent years, it is now possible for consumers to purchase reliable and efficient electric boats. Just like the technological advancements of the car industry, electric boat technology now meets high standards of autonomy while offering unprecedented performance. A fully electric boat is a boat that is propelled by an electric engine connected to a battery. The boat can either be propelled by a propeller or a waterjet.
The driving force behind electric boats
The revival of electric boats was a result of several factors. The rising awareness of renewable energy resulted in great technological advancements, which allowed us to build reliable and efficient boats. There has been talk about electric boats for years, as much for performance issues as for reducing pollution. There are already more than 100 manufacturers of electric boats and ships, according to a 2017 IDTechEx report.
1 container ship = 70,000 cars’ worth of CO2
On a larger scale, one container ship emits roughly the same amount of carbon dioxide as 70,000 cars. Therefore, its evident the biggest driver behind electric boats is the enormous carbon emissions of commercial shipping. The global industry has been trying to address this according to the World Shipping Council, which says shippers are continually reducing emissions by commissioning larger ships and steaming more slowly.
The benefits of going electric
Aside from lower costs and reduced emissions, electric boats offer numerous significant benefits, such as:
- Silent operation
- Instantaneous maximum power and unbeatable acceleration
- Easier autonomous navigation
- On-board electricity for other important functions, like rescue vessels’ relief operations
Key components in electric boats
Electric Charger – The electric charger is a vital component as it replaces the traditional fuel. The charger controls and manages the charge according to the battery’s capacity. Once received, the smart charger sends it safely to the battery bank.
Battery Bank – The battery bank stores energy inside the boat. Several battery technologies are available, each offering their own advantages and disadvantages. The type of batteries used is dependent on the design and intended use of the boat.
Controller – A transformer controller is a static electrical device that transfers energy between two circuits or by electromagnetic induction. The motor’s controller converts the direct current into alternating current. Transformers are used to increase or decrease variable alternating voltages without damaging the batteries.
Electric motor – There are numerous types of electric motors available. The electric motor allows the boat to operate, offering better orientation control of the boat. A popular choice is brushless direct current electric motors. These motors are rotating electrical machines that convert DC electrical energy into mechanical energy. This operation is much simpler then in brush motors because it eliminates the complications of power transfer from the outside of the motor to the rotor, thus it generates less energy losses. The main advantages of brushless motors are longer life, high efficiency and low or no maintenance.
Goudsmit UK
We offer a range of high-quality industrial magnets and precision machined parts to improve the performance and safety of various applications. We can support you in the many challenges faced by the industry as the future looks towards faster, greener, and more energy-efficient boats. Our focus on continuous improvement and experience with re-manufacturing enables us to provide you with smart design-engineering solutions that speed up production time while lowering your overall cost.
For more information download our products and services brochure.
