Electric boat adopts Ethernet-based control

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 12, 2005

An electric boat designed to test fuel cells for inland water transport provides a realistic alternative to the internal combustion engines currently used on lakes and canals.

An electric boat designed to test fuel cells for inland water transport provides a realistic alternative to the internal combustion engines currently used on lakes and canals.

The Hydroxy3000 features an environmentally friendly hydrogen fuel cell and is controlled using a BC9000 Beckhoff Ethernet controller, which is available exclusively in the UK from Hayes Control Systems.

The Hydroxy3000 is a 7m long, 2.5m wide catamaran that weighs 1.5 tonnes and is equipped with a 3kW electric motor.

Its main source of energy is a fuel cell, which is supplied from a 76-litre hydrogen bottle.

The Hydroxy3000 drives two propellers via two 48V DC motors that are electronically controlled from the bridge.

Each hull is equipped with a control system that makes the boat exceptionally manoeuvrable.

Vibration and hydrogen sensors can shut down the hydrogen system in the event of problems and auxiliary batteries ensure the boat remains manoeuvrable and can return to its base.

The complete system of the boat is controlled via two independent Beckhoff BC9000 bus terminal controllers.

Both controllers are networked via an Ethernet connection and all parameters controlled by the sensors are monitored via a laptop that can also carry out detailed data measurements.

One of the controllers monitors the catamaran's parameters, such as the speed, course and position of the boat (GPS), and informs the captain.

The BC9000 also communicates with the boat control system.

Using the control interface, the captain can switch on the motor, position the lights or control any of the other parameters.

The second BC9000 controls all main fuel cell parameters, such as the temperature, air and water supply.

Depending on these conditions, the Ethernet controller determines the optimum operating conditions for the fuel cell and influences the different components involved in the operation of it, such as the air compressor or cooling water valve.

The control voltage of the two compressors is modified via DC/DC convertors.

"As prices fall, sophisticated control technology will increase", explained Mark Bates, Sales and Marketing Manager at Hayes.

"Using readily understood Ethernet as the physical communication layer, because of its scalability, reliability and flexibility, it is undoubtedly the future of control".

For the Hydroxy3000, the use of advanced, environmentally friendly power generation by way of fuel cells has clear advantages in terms of energy efficiency and emissions reduction compared with classic thermal technologies.

The technology points to a particularly promising future for inland water transport involving small to medium-sized boats because it generates no water or air pollution, doesn't smell and creates relatively little noise.