Electric Vessel Propulsion Using EV-Derived Motor and Battery Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric drive systems for vessels have low operation efficiency and durability due to the use of conventional motors and batteries, making them unsuitable for electric vessels and difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrified components such as a drive motor, battery management system, inverter, and electronic control unit, adapted from electric vehicles, to create a propulsion system for electric vessels, with a scaled-down design to accommodate the lower operation frequency of vessels, and integration of a solar module for energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional motors and batteries are used for electric vessels, then the vessel can be operated, but the operation efficiency and performance are extremely low with poor durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameters by replacing conventional motors with electric vehicle drive motors and conventional batteries with lithium-ion battery modules. This parameter change transforms the system from low-efficiency conventional components to high-performance electrified components, achieving both improved durability and operation efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies the proven electrified component architecture from electric vehicles (drive motor, inverter, BMS, battery module) and adapts it for marine propulsion. By copying the successful vehicle electrification platform and modifying it for vessel application, the system achieves reliable operation without reinventing the wheel
2Ease of manufacture
If electrified components from electric vehicles are adopted for vessels, then development costs are reduced and energy efficiency is maximized, but the components must be scaled down to accommodate lower vessel operation frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universal electrified components from electric vehicles (drive motor, inverter, BMS, battery module) to the vessel application. These components are designed to serve multiple purposes - the same type of drive motor and battery system used in vehicles are adapted for marine propulsion, reducing development costs through component reuse while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent scales down the electrified components by adjusting operational parameters to match vessel requirements. Since vessels operate at lower frequencies compared to vehicles, the components are reconfigured with modified control parameters and operational characteristics, allowing vehicle-derived components to function effectively in marine environments
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces development costs, maximizes energy efficiency, and enhances the durability and performance of electric vessels by leveraging verified electrified components and platforms, while also promoting eco-friendliness through the use of lithium materials.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter configured to convert a DC voltage of the battery module into an AC voltage to drive the drive motor
Implementation Method 2
a solar module configured to send solar energy to one or both of the battery module and the BMS
Data Source
AI summary
An electric vessel includes a drive motor to rotate a propeller; a battery module to supply a voltage; an inverter to convert a DC voltage of the battery module into an AC voltage to drive the drive motor; a battery management system (BMS); an electronic control unit (ECU) including a vessel control unit to control the BMS, the inverter, and the drive motor in order to operate the vessel; and an operation unit to transmit an operation signal to the ECU according to a driver's operation.