Preliminary Analysis of the Conversion of a Leisure Boat into a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

The aim of this paper is the study of the conversion of a traditional internal combustion engine-powered leisure boat into an electric propelled type. The study focused primarily on the implementation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), with the intention of making it modular to simplify installation and maintenance operations. The economic and commercial aspect of the new electric boat was also explored. The boat selected for the study is located in the Porto Romano shipyard in Fiumicino. The hull measures were taken to identify the available space for installing a storage system, respecting the weight limits while keeping in mind the power required from the substitutive electric motor. The most suitable type of battery was chosen and a preliminary design of the modular Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was produced. Then the commercial aspect of the boat was considered in light of its potential users, as its refueling costs and its market positioning. To maintain the same characteristics of the traditional boat, the previous propulsion system was analyzed and the same type of propeller (3-blade bronze) was chosen. Furthermore, the best arrangement of the Storage System was evaluated to obtain the greatest possible autonomy.