Energy Consumption Analysis of Electric Propulsion System Used in Autonomous Surface Vehicle

In order to improve endurance and increase distance run of Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV) under limited battery capacity, this paper discusses energy consumption of electric propulsion system at different controlling conditions. A mathematical model including the electric motor, propeller and the hull resistance is established, based on which energy consumption in stable cruise and starting process is analyzed. The relations between control voltage and cruising speed, propulsion efficiency and distance run are illustrated. In terms of energy consumption per nautical mile, some strategies for selecting cruising speed are suggested to save energy. Experiments on the ASV “Silver Frog” support the results.