Auxiliary propulsion system for boats

Abstract

Auxiliary propulsion system for boats (100), comprising at least one electric propulsion unit, whereby the electric propulsion unit has coupling means (3) to at least one boat (100). Said electric propulsion unit comprises a torpedo-shaped body (2) comprising at least one propulsion element (21) and at least one activation unit (22) of said propulsion element (21), said coupling means (3) being configured in such a way as to reversibly couple said torpedo-shaped body (2) to the hull (1) of the boat (100).

Description

[0001] AUXILIARY PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR BOATS

[0002] The present invention relates to an auxiliary propulsion system for boats, comprising at least one electric propulsion unit, which electric propulsion unit has means for coupling to at least one boat.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to an auxiliary propulsion system that does not use fossil fuels to power the propulsion unit, but instead takes a “green” approach.

[0004] In this context, the propulsion unit may, for example, be constructed from an electric propulsion system, and / or based on hydrogen technology, and / or any propulsion system not based on fossil fuels.

[0005] In the nautical sector, protected marine areas are increasingly being established, where boats using fossil fuels are prohibited from sailing, especially in ports, marinas, quays or similar areas.

[0006] Generally, these areas are located in particularly beautiful and rewarding locations that are also attractive to nautical tourism. The only way for recreational boaters to access the area is by owning a boat with a non-fossil fuel propulsion system, such as an electric propulsion system.

[0007] For users who do not intend to change boats and buy a new boat, there is a unique solution to visit protected marine areas with their boat.

[0008] In fact, users are required to “electrify” their boats, i.e. equip them with a hybrid propulsion system that allows them to move within protected areas without using fossil fuels.

[0009] On one hand, this change involves invasive work on board, which isn't always possible and can often be expensive, especially when compared to the boat's residual value.

[0010] As will be apparent from the following description, the system covered by the present patent application has advantageous implications not only for boats that need to enter protected marine areas, but also for any area with controlled access, such as port areas or similar. According to current state-of-the-art systems, modifying the propulsion system of boats not only reduces the space available on board, but also reduces the space containing potentially dangerous elements, such as batteries, which could catch fire.

[0011] In addition to reducing space, state-of-the-art systems increase the weight of boats, increasing their displacement and deteriorating their trim and performance.

[0012] Lastly, among the disadvantages of state-of-the-art systems, it should also be noted that boats of historical interest would not be able to modify their propulsion systems without losing their value, which is due precisely to their historical significance.

[0013] There is therefore a need which is not satisfied by the state-of-the- art to overcome the above-described disadvantages.

[0014] The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a system as described above, in which the electric propulsion unit comprises a torpedo-shaped body comprising at least one propulsion element and at least one propulsion element activation unit.

[0015] The couplings are also configured in such a way as to reversibly couple the torpedo-shaped body to the hull of the boat.

[0016] This configuration allows for the creation of a hybridisation system for boats, i.e. a system capable of providing boats with green auxiliary propulsion without having to modify the boat's structure and without limiting the boat's space.

[0017] The system covered by the present invention therefore solves the problem of hybridisation or electrification of new or existing boats through the rapid application of one or more torpedo-shaped propulsion bodies.

[0018] The latter may have the advantage of not affecting or minimally affecting the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic characteristics of the boat, as they weigh approximately the same as their volume and are shaped to offer minimal resistance to motion.

[0019] Beginning from the general concept just described, the system that is the object of the present invention provides some possible variants, aimed, first of all, at facilitating the coupling between the torpedo-shaped body and the hull of the boat.

[0020] According to a first embodiment, the propulsion unit and / or the coupling means comprise pumping means configured to create a vacuum so as to couple the propulsion unit to the hull of the boat by means of negative pressure.

[0021] The coupling of the torpedo body to the outside of the boat by means of pressure allows for quick installation of the torpedo-shaped body itself.

[0022] Advantageously, to maintain the vacuum between the torpedoshaped body and the hull of the boat, if the depressurisation does not exceed O.4-O.5 bar, the application can be considered structurally verified, as this depression is lower than the design pressure of the plating in all classification regulations.

[0023] In the case of planing boats, for example, the calculation pressure reaches 1.5-2 bar.

[0024] O.4-O.5 bar is instead the reference calculation pressure of slow and moving boats, near the waterline.

[0025] According to one variant, the coupling means comprise a coupling element interposed between the torpedo-shaped body and the hull of the boat.

[0026] One of the aims of the system covered by the present invention, in addition to the ease of installation of the propulsion unit, is the simplicity of construction and assembly of the various components.

[0027] For this reason, the coupling element will preferably have a first portion that can be fixed to the hull of the boat and a second portion that can be fixed to the torpedo-shaped body.

[0028] The first portion has a curved wall designed to cooperate with the curved surface of the hull, with a sealing lip made of a flexible material interposed between the hull and the curved wall.

[0029] The presence of the sealing lip allows the coupling element to be adapted to the different shapes and curvatures of the hulls of various boats known to be state of the art. Furthermore, the sealing lip is particularly advantageous in combination with the means of creating the depression between the propulsion unit and the hull of the boat.

[0030] The coupling element can be provided as a single piece with the torpedo-shaped body.

[0031] The coupling element is preferably fixed to the torpedo-shaped body through the second portion.

[0032] The torpedo-shaped body can be conveniently connected with a quick coupling to the second portion of the coupling element.

[0033] As an alternative or in combination, the second portion can be fixed to the torpedo-shaped body through an interconnection of a fixed or telescopic upright or pylon.

[0034] For example, it is feasible that the coupling means include a telescopic upright configured to move the torpedo-shaped body away from or towards the hull of the boat.

[0035] The telescopic upright can be manufactured in any manner known to the state-of-the-art.

[0036] A possible example is described in internal document 10202400001 1488, the contents of which are to be considered an integral part of this patent application.

[0037] Alternatively, or in combination, the coupling means may be made from a single piece with the torpedo-shaped body, in accordance with any method known in the state-of-the-art.

[0038] As described, the system covered by the present invention aims to create a support for state-of-the-art boats in order to provide them with an alternative propulsion system to those that use fossil fuels.

[0039] For this reason, according to a possible embodiment, the system comprises a support unit consisting of a floating support structure configured to house said at least one torpedo-shaped body and said coupling means in the uncoupled condition with the boat.

[0040] The floating support structure may be a boat, a floating platform or a similar structure. The user of the boat to be hybridised will therefore not need to reserve space to house the torpedo-shaped body, but the floating support structure can reach the boat to be hybridised at the boundary of the marine protected area, so that the torpedo-shaped body can be mounted on the boat.

[0041] In fact, one of the main advantages of the system covered by the present invention is the possibility of mounting the torpedo-shaped body without the need to tow the boat.

[0042] For this reason, it is possible to envisage that the floating support structure will approach the boat to be hybridised in order to evaluate the area of the hull that is most suitable for the installation of the torpedoshaped body from a hydrodynamic point of view.

[0043] Once the coupling zone of the torpedo-shaped body has been established, it is possible to provide for this zone to be treated in order to facilitate the coupling of the torpedo-shaped body to the hull of the boat. Therefore, according to an improvement, the floating support structure comprises at least one boat hull processing unit configured to prepare an area of the hull for coupling to the propulsion unit.

[0044] For example, the processing unit may comprise means for cleaning the hull in order to obtain a smooth surface that facilitates the coupling of the torpedo-shaped body to the hull.

[0045] The processing unit may, for example, comprise robots for cleaning the hull, in order to make a sufficiently large portion of the hull homogeneous for the subsequent application of the coupling element.

[0046] According to a preferred variant embodiment, the actuating unit of the propulsion element comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

[0047] Preferably, the actuating unit comprises at least one propulsion propeller driven by an electric motor powered by one or more rechargeable batteries.

[0048] Preferably, the propulsion propeller, motor and batteries are positioned completely inside the torpedo-shaped body. In combination with this configuration, it is possible to provide that the floating support structure comprises rechargeable battery charging circuits.

[0049] It is therefore clear that the system described in the present invention is particularly advantageous in cases where the floating support structure houses a plurality of torpedo-shaped bodies that can be mounted on a plurality of boats.

[0050] Boats may therefore remain in the protected marine area while awaiting the arrival of the floating support structure configured to provide them with auxiliary propulsion systems that allow them to access the protected marine areas.

[0051] The batteries in the torpedo-shaped body can be charged in the traditional manner and / or using a multiple quick-connect connector, which can also be brought close to and connected magnetically and / or by induction to the torpedo-shaped body (i.e. both on board the floating structure and on the installed torpedo-shaped body).

[0052] A possible method for charging and managing batteries is described within document 102022000017979, the contents of which are to be considered an integral part of the present patent application.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, it is possible to provide that each torpedo-shaped body be equipped with a rudder, preferably at the stern of the propulsion propeller.

[0054] In addition, each torpedo-shaped body can be equipped with a bow nose-cone made of elastic and / or inflatable material to protect against accidental impacts during manoeuvres or navigation, as described within document 10202400001 1488.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the system of the present invention provides a control unit of the propulsion unit which is configured to communicate with the propulsion unit.

[0056] The control unit is ideally located outside the torpedo-shaped body, so that it can communicate with a control unit located inside the torpedoshaped body and configured to supervise the operation of at least some of the torpedo-shaped body components. The control unit is therefore used to manoeuvre the boat in hybrid mode, i.e. when the boat is using auxiliary propulsion.

[0057] This control unit can also include a joystick and an emergency monitoring and signalling panel.

[0058] According to an improvement, it is possible to provide that the control unit exclusively authorises the use of the torpedo-shaped body.

[0059] The torpedo-shaped body can preferably be connected to the control unit via encrypted software with manufacturer keys, also as a deterrent against theft.

[0060] As described, the system that is the subject of the present invention is particularly advantageous in the event that a service is to be provided, for example managed by port authorities, which involves a plurality of propulsion units on board a floating support structure that can mount such propulsion units on the hulls of different boats.

[0061] If torpedo-shaped bodies are fitted to boats as part of a charter, the control unit shall record the use of said torpedo-shaped bodies and of the boat, including for insurance or pay-per-use purposes, with payment conveniently made in a contactless manner on the floating support structure and / or on the control unit, which may charge for both use and charging.

[0062] The control unit can also be equipped with a GSM system and, as an option, StarLink or satellite for emergency calls and assistance from a remote call centre, including paid assistance and emergency assistance for problems on the boat to be hybridised.

[0063] According to a further refinement, the control unit may include a "smart" device equipped with artificial intelligence and automated guidance capabilities.

[0064] The device included within the remote control unit may comprise artificial intelligence algorithms.

[0065] These artificial intelligence algorithms can be configured to generate control signals configured to enable automated boat guidance.

[0066] These control signals can replace or assist the actions of a skipper, i.e. they can work in combination with the remote control unit, for example by correcting any commands generated by a skipper using the remote control unit.

[0067] Additional sensors (gyroscopes, proximity sensors, infrared sensors, etc.) can be connected to it, effectively making the hybridised boat operational and certifiable for autonomous driving.

[0068] This feature can be used, for example, to use the invention as a mooring system in the harbour, as an alternative to a mooring buoy.

[0069] Furthermore, autonomous guidance allows the system covered by the present invention to develop a specific functionality for managing the movement of a plurality of hybridised boats that communicate, for example through their respective control units, with a single remote control unit.

[0070] The configuration described above also allows for the creation of a fleet of hybrid boats that can be remotely controlled and / or operated autonomously, thus providing a water taxi service.

[0071] Finally, according to a further variant embodiment, the propulsion unit comprises a safety system comprising an inflatable cushion, means for inflating said cushion and at least one sensor for detecting the coupling of the propulsion unit to the hull.

[0072] The safety system is configured to activate the inflation devices if the sensor detects that the propulsion unit has become detached from the hull.

[0073] This safety system can be interconnected to both the torpedoshaped body and the coupling element and configured to inflate automatically (e.g. with a micro-charge of the "airbag" type) in the event of detachment of the propulsion unit from the boat and / or of the coupling element from the torpedo-shaped body, ensuring both the possibility of recovering the propulsion unit and / or its components and their signalling in a manner similar to a buoy for other boats.

[0074] Given the advantages described above relating to the auxiliary propulsion system, the present invention also relates to a hull for boats comprising means for coupling to a propulsion unit. In particular, the coupling means and / or the propulsion unit may be constructed in accordance with one or more of the characteristics described above, either alternatively or in combination.

[0075] The system described above is therefore particularly advantageous not only for boats that have already been built and are to be hybridised by installing the auxiliary propulsion system, but also for hulls belonging to boats that are manufactured with the coupling element integrated into the hull itself, on which the torpedo-shaped body can be mounted.

[0076] When the coupling element is installed on site, it can be fixed mechanically and / or pneumatically, as described, while in new builds, the coupling element can be inserted into the hull structure.

[0077] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following disclosure of some exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figures 1a and 1 b illustrate a schematic diagram of a possible embodiment of the system that is the subject of the present invention; figures 2a and 2b illustrate a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the system that is the subject of the present invention; figures 3a to 3d illustrate some views of the floating support structure belonging to the system that is the subject of the present invention.

[0078] It should be noted that the figures attached to this patent application illustrate a possible embodiment of the auxiliary propulsion system for boats that is the subject of the present invention, in order to better understand the advantages and characteristics described.

[0079] This embodiment is therefore to be understood as purely illustrative and not limiting to the inventive concept of the present invention, namely that of providing a hybridisation system for boats, i.e. a system capable of equipping boats with auxiliary propulsion of a green type without having to modify the structure of the boat and without limiting the space of the boat. With particular reference to figure 1a, a schematic diagram of a possible embodiment of the auxiliary propulsion system for boats that is the subject of the present invention is illustrated.

[0080] This system is configured to be coupled to a hull 1 of a boat.

[0081] The system comprises a torpedo-shaped body 2 and coupling means 3 to the hull of the boat, configured in such a way that the torpedoshaped body 2 is positioned below the waterline of the boat.

[0082] The torpedo-shaped body 2 comprises a propulsion propeller 21 driven by an activation unit comprising an electric motor 22 and a rechargeable battery 23 of said electric motor 22.

[0083] Any form of coupling means can be provided, but, according to the variant illustrated in the figures, the coupling means 3 comprise an upright 31 and a coupling plate 32.

[0084] The coupling plate 32 has an upper surface corresponding to the outer wall of the hull 1 of the boat and a lower surface facing the upright 31.

[0085] The coupling plate 32 consists of a rigid metal and / or composite portion and, at the upper surface, has a curvature in various standardised shapes applicable to different hull curvatures.

[0086] In addition, the upper surface includes a sealing lip 321 , made of a flexible material, in order to achieve a "fine" adaptation to the specific shape of the hull 1 .

[0087] For the sake of simplicity, it should be noted that in the figures, the hull 1 is shown as a flat wall, but the presence of the lip 321 allows the coupling plate 32 to be adapted to any radius of curvature.

[0088] The sealing lip 321 is also particularly advantageous regardless of the type of coupling used between the coupling plate 32 and the hull 1 , a preferred embodiment of which will be described below.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the upright 31 can be designed to allow vertical movement of the torpedo-shaped body 2, in the direction indicated by arrow A, away from or towards the hull 1 .

[0090] It is also possible to design coupling plate 32, upright 31 and torpedo-shaped body 2 in a single piece. According to a variant embodiment, the coupling plate 32 and the upright 31 are made in a single piece.

[0091] In accordance with this configuration, the interface area between the upright 31 and the torpedo-shaped body 2 has a flat or cylindrical wall, with a radius equal to the outer radius of the torpedo-shaped body 2, locally in the attachment area.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling between the torpedo-shaped body 2 and the hull 1 is achieved by means of vacuum formation.

[0093] According to the illustrated variant, the torpedo-shaped body comprises one or more pumps 24 configured in such a way as to create a vacuum at the sealing lip 321.

[0094] The pumps 24 can be powered by dedicated batteries or can be connected to the rechargeable battery 23 that powers the electric motor 22.

[0095] The use of depression to achieve the coupling of the torpedoshaped body 2 to the hull 1 avoids any modification or processing that would cause structural changes to the hull 1.

[0096] The coupling plate 32 is positioned at the hull 1 , with the sealing lip 321 in contact with the hull 1 , after which the activation of pump 24 creates a vacuum, deforming the sealing lip 321 and ensuring a tight coupling between the coupling plate 32 and the hull 1 until the vacuum level decreases.

[0097] According to a variant embodiment, pressure monitoring sensors may be provided so that these sensors activate pump 24 when a certain pressure threshold value is exceeded, in order to ensure continuous and correct coupling of the torpedo-shaped body 2 to the hull 1.

[0098] In this case too, the sensors can be powered by dedicated batteries and / or by the power supply battery of pump 24 and / or by the power supply battery 23 of the electric motor 22..

[0099] According to the variant shown in the figures, the pump 24 is positioned inside the torpedo-shaped body 2, so that, according to a preferred embodiment, the torpedo-shaped body 2 has a quick coupling to the coupling plate 32 and / or to the upright 31 for generating the vacuum.

[0100] Alternatively, or in combination with the variant described above, the pump 24 can be provided inside the coupling plate 32 and / or inside the upright 31 .

[0101] This positioning does not affect the power supply of the pump 24, which may have a dedicated battery and / or be powered by the battery 23.

[0102] The battery 23 consists of a common, state-of-the-art battery and is preferably rechargeable.

[0103] Figures 3a to 3d illustrate a possible charging method, to be provided as an alternative or in combination with induction charging, as illustrated in figure 1 b.

[0104] Figure 1 b illustrates a schematic diagram of a front view of the system that is the subject of the present invention, in which the torpedoshaped body 2 is coupled to an electromagnetic induction charging system 4.

[0105] The charging system 4 can then be connected to an additional power source or to an electrical distribution network.

[0106] According to the variant illustrated in figures 1 a and 1 b, the coupling between the torpedo-shaped body 2 and the hull 1 is achieved by creating a vacuum between these two components, without the need for modifications to the hull 1 , except, if necessary, cleaning and / or surface treatment of the outer surface of the hull in the area where the plate 32 is coupled.

[0107] The present invention also relates to a hull for boats that can facilitate the coupling of an auxiliary propulsion system, such as the torpedo-shaped body 2 described above.

[0108] This variant is illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, in which the hull 1 incorporates a connecting element 10 configured to connect with a corresponding portion of the coupling plate 32.

[0109] Figure 2a illustrates a coupled version of the hull 1 and the torpedo-shaped body 2, while Figure 2b illustrates an uncoupled version of the torpedo-shaped body 2 and the hull 1. The coupling plate 32 has a connection portion 322 configured to cooperate with the connecting element 10, which has a shape complementary to the coupling portion 322, so as to be able to house the connecting portion 322 therein, ensuring contact between the sealing lip 321 and the outer surface of the hull 1.

[0110] The connecting element 10 also has electrical connection contacts 101 and 102, which can be provided alternatively or in combination, respectively, for transmitting power signals and control signals between the torpedo-shaped body 2 and a control unit provided on the boat 1 .

[0111] This will allow the torpedo-shaped body 2 to use the power supply on board the boat and be configured so that the propulsion propeller 21 is controlled from the boat's control panel.

[0112] According to the variant illustrated in the figures, the connecting element 10 may also feature a guide pin 103, designed to ensure the correct insertion of the connecting portion 322 inside the connecting element 10.

[0113] The connecting element 10 can be fastened to the hull 1 of the boat in any manner known to the state of the art.

[0114] Regardless of the type of fastening, depending on the preferred embodiment, the coupling plate 32 is fastened to the hull through the vacuum, as described above.

[0115] The torpedo-shaped body 2 and the coupling means 3 may also have one or more of the characteristics described above, with reference to figures 1a and 1 b.

[0116] As is clear from the above description, the system covered by the present invention provides for the removable coupling of an auxiliary propulsion system, preferably an auxiliary electric propulsion system, to a boat.

[0117] On the basis of the characteristics described, the auxiliary system, consisting of a torpedo-shaped body 2 and coupling means 3, can be fastened at different points on the hull 1 of the boat, depending on operational requirements. For example, it is possible to foresee coupling one, two or more torpedo-shaped bodies 2 to the hull of a single boat, based on the geometry of the hull and / or the auxiliary power required and / or the dimensions of the torpedo-shaped body.

[0118] According to a further embodiment, it is possible to envisage that the system that is the subject of the present invention has a central control unit 25.

[0119] It is preferable that the central control unit 25 is inserted inside the torpedo-shaped body 2 and is configured to control at least part of the components of the auxiliary propulsion system and, in particular, the components of the torpedo-shaped body 2.

[0120] The central control unit 25 communicates with a remote control unit, which generates control signals so that the central control unit 25 sets the operation of the components of the torpedo-shaped body.

[0121] The central control unit 25 is shown in the figures as a separate element, but it can be integrated within each individual component of the torpedo-shaped body 2.

[0122] This allows the control unit to generate control signals to steer the boat through the torpedo-shaped body 2, for example by adjusting the activation of the propulsion propeller 21 and / or the direction to follow, if devices such as rudders or similar are present.

[0123] The command signals generated by the control unit can be generated automatically by the control unit itself, including in view of data and information detected by a sensor system that can be provided on board the torpedo-shaped body 2 and / or on board the boat to be hybridised.

[0124] Alternatively, or in conjunction with this, it is possible to provide that these control signals are simply transmitted from the control unit to the central control unit 25, but that these control signals are generated by a user capable of steering the boat, either on board or remotely.

[0125] The control unit can be integrated into the control panel of the boat to be hybridised. The control unit also has processors for executing software loaded into special memory units belonging to the control unit.

[0126] The software can be set to perform the most diverse functions.

[0127] For example, it is possible to plan to use the control unit as a sort of "anti-theft device", i.e. to control the central control unit 25 to activate / d eactivate the propulsion unit.

[0128] The activation / deactivation can be performed by entering specific credentials or codes, which may be protected by an encryption system.

[0129] In a further embodiment, the system according to the present invention provides a sensor system for detecting the running conditions of the boat and / or structural characteristics of the boat and / or dimensions of the boat.

[0130] It is possible to provide for the control unit to communicate with said sensor system in order to allow the automatic generation of control signals for setting the central control unit 25.

[0131] From the features described above, it is clear that the auxiliary propulsion system covered by the present invention makes it possible to convert a boat into a hybrid boat, i.e. a boat that, during a transitional period, does not require the use of fossil fuel.

[0132] For this reason, according to a variant embodiment of the system, a floating support structure can be provided to store the propulsion units (torpedo-shaped bodies and connecting means) and to couple these propulsion units to the various boats.

[0133] Figures 3a to 3d illustrate some views of a possible embodiment of this floating support unit.

[0134] This unit consists of a floating platform, of the barge type 5, or similar, which has a zone 50 for mooring the boat to be hybridised, i.e. the boat to which the auxiliary propulsion unit is to be coupled.

[0135] The barge 5 also has a portion 51 housing a plurality of torpedoshaped bodies 2 and / or coupling means 3.

[0136] In the housing portion 51 , rechargeable battery charging circuits 23 can be provided inside the torpedo-shaped body 2. It should be noted that the figures attached to the present patent application show the boat to be hybridised being lifted out of the water. However, based on the characteristics described, no special lifting or handling of the boat is necessary, as the torpedo-shaped body 2 can be coupled to it even when afloat.

[0137] The operation of the barge 5 involves approaching the boat 100 to be hybridised and in the area of the hull most suitable for the installation of the torpedo-shaped body 2 hydrodynamically.

[0138] In said zone, the barge 5 prepares a sufficiently large section for the subsequent vacuum application of coupling plate 32.

[0139] This cleaning and processing operation on the hull of the boat 100 can be carried out manually and / or using robotic systems, such as systems similar to those used for cleaning swimming pools.

[0140] Similarly, the coupling of the coupling plate 32 can also be carried out manually and / or automatically, with the aid of common devices known in the state-of-the-art.

[0141] While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative constructions, some preferred embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail.

[0142] It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated but rather the aim is to cover all the modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. Auxiliary propulsion system for boats (100), comprising at least one electric propulsion unit, which propulsion unit has coupling means (3) to at least one boat (100), characterised in that said electric propulsion unit comprises a torpedo-shaped body (2) comprising at least one propulsion element (21) and at least one activation unit (22) of said propulsion element (21), said coupling means (3) being configured to reversibly couple said torpedo-shaped body (2) to the hull (1) of the boat (100) said electric propulsion unit and / or said coupling means (3) comprising pumping means (24) configured to create a vacuum zone between the hull (1) of the boat (100) and the electric propulsion unit, so as to couple the propulsion unit to the hull (1) of the boat by means of negative pressure.

2. System according to claim 1 , wherein said coupling means (3) comprise a coupling element (32) interposed between the torpedo-shaped body (2) and the hull (1) of the boat, which coupling element (32) has a first section that can be fixed to the hull (1) of the boat and a second section that can be fixed to the torpedo-shaped body (2), the first section having a curved wall adapted to cooperate with the curved surface of the hull (1), there being a sealing lip (321) made of a yielding material and interposed between the hull (1) and the curved wall.

3. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling means comprise a telescopic upright (31) configured to move the torpedo-shaped body (2) away from / towards the hull (1) of the boat.

4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein there is a floating support structure (5) configured to house said at least one torpedo-shaped body (2) and said coupling means (3) in a condition decoupled from the boat.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein said floating support structure (5) comprises at least one processing unit (50) of the hull (1) of the boat (100) configured to clean an area of the hull for coupling said electric propulsion unit.

6. System according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said actuating unit of said propulsion element comprises one or more rechargeable batteries (23), said floating support structure (5) comprising circuits for recharging said rechargeable batteries.

7. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein there is a remote control unit of said electric propulsion unit, which control unit is configured to be in communication with said electric propulsion unit, so as to generate control signals for setting the operation of said electric propulsion unit.

8. System according to claim 7, wherein the control unit comprises a device comprising artificial intelligence and automated guidance algorithms.

9. System according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein there is a sensor system for detecting the running conditions of the boat and / or structural characteristics of the boat and / or dimensions of the boat, which sensor system is in communication with said control unit in such a way as to enable the automatic generation of said control signals.

10. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the electric propulsion unit comprises a safety system having an inflatable cushion, means for inflating said cushion and at least one sensor for detecting the coupling of the electric propulsion unit to said hull, the safety system being configured in such a way as to activate the means for inflating if the sensor detects a decoupling of the electric propulsion unit from the hull.1 1. Hull for boats comprising coupling means to an electric propulsion unit, characterised in that said coupling means and / or said electric propulsion unit are created according to one or more of claims 1 to 10.

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