AGH Solar Boat -the analysis of energy and ecological parameters of the solar powered boat

Abstract

Nowadays, aviation and maritime transportation produce 3% of world anthropogenic greenhouse gases emission. One of the main problems in maritime transportation is pollution emitted by traditional oil engines. It not only causes fish extinction but also produces CO2. So, there is a strong need to change the way people consider maritime transportation. Fuel switching may be significant part of the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda. The AGH Solar Boat is a project that connects sustainable development with innovative technologies. It represents the various aspect of engineering from construction, material engineering to electronics and photovoltaics. This paper presents the numerical analysis of the performance of the monocrystalline flexible solar panels (GSC 170+ and GSC 150+) and electric engine used in the first version of the boat. The results are compared with numerical results of the oil engine. Such comparison allows to show the difference in the emitted CO2 as the saving in the air pollution. The importance of this research is significant for the future solution of solar powered engines in maritime transportation. There are great opportunities of using renewable energy in boats and ferries.