Short answer

Incorporate deployable solar energy generation systems into the design of electric vessels to enhance their operational range and sustainability.

Field
Resource Management
Source
2020 Third International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT) (2020)
Method
Conceptual design and simulation
Evidence
Moderate effect

Integrating foldable floating solar arrays onto electric vessels can significantly increase their energy independence and operational range by harnessing renewable solar power. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in 2020 Third International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT). Using Conceptual design and simulation, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate deployable solar energy generation systems into the design of electric vessels to enhance their operational range and sustainability.

Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactModerate effect

Foldable Solar Arrays Enhance Electric Vessel Energy Autonomy

Integrating foldable floating solar arrays onto electric vessels can significantly increase their energy independence and operational range by harnessing renewable solar power.

2020 Third International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT) · 2020

01

Key Findings

  • 01A foldable floating solar array (FFSA) system can be integrated with electric vessels.
  • 02The FFSA system can be modeled and its performance evaluated using simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink.
  • 03The integration of renewable energy sources like solar power is crucial for the sustainable growth of electric transport.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate deployable solar energy generation systems into the design of electric vessels to enhance their operational range and sustainability.

How to apply

For electric boat or ferry designs, explore the feasibility of integrating a compact, foldable solar panel system that can be deployed when stationary or at low speeds to recharge batteries.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how a renewable energy source could extend the use of a product.
  • 02Think about the mechanics of deploying and retracting components for different use cases.
  • 03Explore simulation tools to test design concepts before building.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a foldable floating solar array system be designed and implemented to effectively supplement the energy needs of electric vessels?
MethodConceptual design and simulation
ProcedureThe research involved conceptualizing a foldable floating solar array (FFSA) system, drawing upon existing technologies like floating solar farms and microgrids. The system's design, application, and challenges were detailed, and its performance was evaluated using a MATLAB/Simulink model.
ContextElectric maritime transport

Variables

IVDesign of foldable floating solar array system
DVEnergy generation capacity, operational range of electric vessel
CVType of electric vessel, solar irradiance, battery capacity
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a relevant and growing need for sustainable energy solutions in electric transport.
  • +Utilizes simulation to explore a novel design concept.

Limitations

The research is based on a simulated model, so real-world performance might differ due to factors like weather, wave action, and material degradation.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the findings is limited by the reliance on simulation rather than physical testing. Reliability would depend on the accuracy of the simulation model parameters and assumptions.

Think critically

What are the primary engineering challenges in designing a robust and efficient foldable solar array system that can withstand marine environments and contribute meaningfully to an electric vessel's energy needs?

05

Design Principles

"Mobile platforms can achieve greater operational efficiency and sustainability through integrated, deployable renewable energy generation."

This approach addresses the growing energy demands of electric transportation, particularly in maritime applications. By enabling vessels to generate their own power, it reduces reliance on shore-based charging infrastructure and fossil fuels, contributing to more sustainable and economically viable operations.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Imagine a boat that can make its own electricity from the sun! This research shows how a special kind of solar panel that folds up could help electric boats stay charged and travel further without needing to stop at a charging station.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this research when exploring sustainable energy solutions for mobile products.
  • 2.Use the concept of integrated renewable energy generation as inspiration for your own design project.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The concept of a foldable floating solar array (FFSA) for electric vessels, as explored by Tiwari et al. (2020), presents a compelling approach to enhancing energy autonomy in electric transport. This research highlights the potential for integrating renewable energy generation directly onto mobile platforms, thereby reducing reliance on external charging infrastructure and promoting sustainable operation. The simulation-based evaluation of such systems offers valuable insights into their performance characteristics and feasibility.

09

Source

2020 Third International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT)

Foldable Floating Solar Array for Electric Vessel

journal · 2020

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about foldable solar arrays enhance electric vessel energy autonomy?
Incorporate deployable solar energy generation systems into the design of electric vessels to enhance their operational range and sustainability. Evidence: 2020 Third International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT) (2020).
Why does "Foldable Solar Arrays Enhance Electric Vessel Energy Autonomy" matter for design?
This approach addresses the growing energy demands of electric transportation, particularly in maritime applications. By enabling vessels to generate their own power, it reduces reliance on shore-based charging infrastructure and fossil fuels, contributing to more sustainable and economically viable operations.
How can designers apply this research?
Incorporate deployable solar energy generation systems into the design of electric vessels to enhance their operational range and sustainability.
What were the main findings?
A foldable floating solar array (FFSA) system can be integrated with electric vessels.. The FFSA system can be modeled and its performance evaluated using simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink.. The integration of renewable energy sources like solar power is crucial for the sustainable growth of electric transport.
What research method was used?
Conceptual design and simulation.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from 2020 Third International Conference on Smart Systems and Inventive Technology (ICSSIT).
What should I do differently in my next project?
For electric boat or ferry designs, explore the feasibility of integrating a compact, foldable solar panel system that can be deployed when stationary or at low speeds to recharge batteries.
What are the limitations?
The study relies on simulation and does not include a physical prototype or real-world testing of the FFSA system's durability and performance under various environmental conditions.