Electric Waterjet Thruster Vessel Development – Concept, Charger, and Battery Monitoring

This paper exhibits an overall design of an electric waterjet vessel. Marine craft electrification especially the propulsion system transfer from the diesel engine to electric switched reluctance motor realizes the environmental-friendly utilization. A corresponding waterproof inductive wireless charger which could operate under water-immersed condition is introduced to prompt higher marine craft electrical penetration. This work presents the first development of a novel design of a marine charging system on a jet boat environment for lower power application. The use of near field magnetic transfer lifts the power conversion efficiency and at the same time, improves the safety and reliability of the charging operation. The system has been built and tested successfully to validate the concept boat.