|  ElCiudadano.cl |  Noticias

El Ciudadano

Original article: Universidad Austral de Chile avanza en navegación por propulsión eléctrica

Led by the Naval Engineering and Civil Electronic Engineering departments, this project aims to develop electric propulsion systems for smaller vessels, contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry.

With the goal of fostering technological and sustainable development within Chile’s naval industry, the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at Universidad Austral de Chile is advancing its initiative, entitled “Development of Electric Propulsion Systems for Vessels,” spearheaded by the Naval and Civil Electronic Engineering programs.

The initiative seeks to create a 100% electric propulsion system utilizing lithium-ion batteries for smaller vessels, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative that aims to reduce the ecological impact associated with conventional propulsion systems.

The project commenced with contributions from various companies including Ultranav, Grupo Saesa, Taladriz Cargo, Maestranza AMMI, and Innoving 2030. Currently, the project is funded through a Technology Contract with ASMAR (V).

As part of the project’s advancements, initial navigation tests for the electric catamaran were recently conducted on the Valdivia River. Academics and students assessed the vessel’s performance in a real environment and verified the proper functioning of its systems.

Claudio Troncoso, a faculty member from the Naval Engineering department and project director, explained that this stage marked the first operational tests under continuous maximum load conditions.

«These tests aim to ensure that all systems of the catamaran operate safely and efficiently. The test route extended approximately 1.7 nautical miles (3.14 KM) roundtrip from the dock at Miraflores Campus, enabling us to gather crucial data to continue optimizing the design and performance of the vessel,» he noted.

«This project emerged from collaborative efforts between the naval and civil electronic engineering programs, especially through the contributions of academics Dr. Richard Luco and Dr. Nicolas Müller, as well as the motivation of the students. It has now solidified thanks to industry support. Through the technology contract with ASMAR Valparaíso, we have developed various systems of the catamaran, including the design and production of the hull, structure, battery bank, and the integration of the propulsion system. The propeller was even designed by our students and manufactured by ASMAR,» he added.

Applied Learning and Innovation

Rodolfo Andrade, a final-year Civil Electronic Engineering student, explained that his team has been working on the development of the catamaran’s electronic and control systems.

«Our contribution involves the instrumentation and automation of the vessel, including data capture, propulsion system control, and energy management. This experience enables us to apply knowledge acquired during our studies to a real-world, high-impact technological project,» he stated.

He also highlighted the importance of advancing electromobility solutions in maritime contexts. «This project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to progress toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation means, utilizing non-polluting energies and addressing the environmental challenges faced by the industry,» he added.

Planning

The project encompasses two main phases. The first phase involves the design, manufacturing, integration, and validation of all systems that comprise the electric catamaran, including the hull, structure, energy storage systems, power and steering transmission systems, as well as data acquisition, monitoring, and visualization systems.

Currently, these components are integrated and undergoing operational testing to evaluate their performance and gather information for future improvements.

The second phase will focus on optimizing existing systems and incorporating new technologies, particularly in energy storage, propulsion systems, direct current electrical networks, and hydrodynamic enhancements to increase the vessel’s efficiency and autonomy.

El Ciudadano

La entrada Universidad Austral de Chile Advances in Electric Propulsion Navigation for Sustainable Maritime Industry se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.