ASNE Promoting Electric Propulsion Competition
Problem statement
Electric boats hold many benefits over diesel-powered boats. Benefits include electric engines producing no fuel or carbon dioxide emissions while operating, reaching max torque near instantly, emitting much less sound, and being operable in all seasons. Diesel engines also require onerous maintenance in their fuel and lubrication systems that involves removing any filters, flushing engine components, adding new filters, and refueling/relubricating, a timely and costly process that does not occur with electric engines. Despite these benefits, electric boats are held back by certain downsides, including more expensive sale and assembly prices, lower top speeds and fuel capacities, and less services to repair and diagnose electric boat issues. The downsides are likely to diminish as the technology becomes more researched and commonplace. In other words, investing time and resources into electric boats will improve their performance and price point, make electric boats more popular, and decrease the number of diesel boat engines and the pollution they cause. By participating in the Promoting Electric Propulsion Competition, we aim to take our first steps in experiencing the cleaner future of naval engineering.
Team members
Kevin Keck – leader
Evan Grubis – communicator
Akshay Harinarayan – accountant
Aidan Connolly – admin
Client
Michael Briscoe, American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE)