Optimizing the Cooling System of an Electric Powered Speedboat

Abstract

The design, assembly and optimization of the cooling system for an electric powered speedboat is presented. Several parts of the overall system of an electric boat are subject to intense heat during use. Components like the motor and inverter will all be under stresses while powering the boat. The cooling system provides these different components with a controllable source of cooling so they are able to perform optimally. To find the optimal system for cooling, the system was designed to be run with water as the coolant. The coolant was introduced to the system through tubing and the pump drove it through the system. Testing was done to determine optimal organization of the parts and the most effective order in which each of the components should be cooled. Analysis of fluid flow rate, temperature, rate of heat exchange and pressure drops were all used to determine the best setup for the cooling system within the overall electric boat. After the tests, it was determined that the cooling system was an effective solution to keeping the motor below both its rated and safety temperatures of 140°C and 180°C, respectively. This was important so that the boat could operate at high peak and continuous power and RPMs throughout its use.