A simulation model for planing-hull watercraft propulsion consisting of a 3ph induction motor as prime mover, direct shaft drive, surface piercing propeller as thruster and speed controller was developed, tested, and operated demonstrating the ability to analyze the entire system numerically. The modularity of the model allows for the user to easily substitute different or more advanced modules, or add additional ones to obtain greater level of detail or simulate more complex interactions. Trends indicate an interest in all electric ship design as well as the use of surface piercing propellers for small craft. All-electric drive plants offer distinct advantages due to their flexibility in arrangements, ability to eliminate reduction gears in many cases, and wide range of available sizes. Of particular interest is the ability to apply electric drive to small craft with planing-hull, which achieve significantly higher velocities and where arrangements and maneuverability are of high concern. The accurate control of speed combined with the ability to output fairly constant torque across a wide range of speeds allows application of non-conventional thrusters such as surface piercing propellers to small craft. Due to the availability of towing tank data from a surface piercing propeller, a methodology to translate measured performance data for non-conventional thrusters as a computer simulation block needed to be developed. The derived modeling block of the surface piercing propeller, which took the form of a neural net, was integrated with an AC induction motor prime mover module, detailed dynamic propulsion shaft module and Proportional-Integral (PI) control module. The modules were finally augmented with a block implementing Savitsky’s method for planing-hull modeling. Simulations were conducted using full-scale real-world conditions for a hull Bayliner 170 Bowrider boat the hull of which can be adjusted to accommodate for a 50HP electric motor and a surface-piercing propeller. The runs conducted demonstrated the model functionality and level of detail.

This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.