The energy supply system of a single-body multi-purpose unmanned boat is the core support for its long-duration missions. It requires multi-energy synergy, efficient management, redundant design, and environmental adaptability optimization to achieve continuous and stable power output. Its design philosophy integrates the stability of traditional energy sources with the sustainability of new energy sources, while also considering lightweight design and high reliability to adapt to diverse mission requirements in complex sea conditions.
In terms of energy type selection, single-body multi-purpose unmanned boats generally adopt a hybrid energy architecture, combining internal combustion engines, electric propulsion, and renewable energy. Internal combustion engines provide high power output, suitable for high-speed navigation or heavy-load missions, but suffer from drawbacks such as high noise and emissions. Electric propulsion systems offer advantages such as low noise and ease of maintenance, making them suitable for covert operations or environmentally sensitive areas. The integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can further extend endurance and reduce dependence on traditional fuels. For example, some unmanned boats utilize natural energy to charge auxiliary batteries by laying flexible solar panels on the hull surface or installing small wind turbines, forming a "primary energy + supplementary energy" hybrid model.
The intelligent energy management system is crucial for ensuring long-duration missions. By integrating energy allocation algorithms and real-time monitoring modules, the system can dynamically adjust energy allocation priorities according to mission phases. For example, during the cruise phase, electric propulsion is prioritized to reduce energy consumption, while switching to the internal combustion engine during high-speed maneuvers. Simultaneously, renewable energy sources power low-power modules such as communication equipment and sensors. Furthermore, the system must possess fault prediction and self-healing capabilities. By monitoring parameters such as battery health and internal combustion engine efficiency, it can provide early warnings of potential faults and activate backup energy paths to prevent mission interruptions.
Redundancy design is a crucial means of improving energy system reliability. Single-body multi-purpose unmanned boats typically employ dual battery packs or multiple energy backups. When the primary energy module fails, the backup module can seamlessly switch over, ensuring mission continuity. For example, some unmanned boats adopt a "primary battery + auxiliary battery" architecture, where the primary battery handles routine tasks, and the auxiliary battery activates in emergencies to provide a minimum amount of power to critical equipment. Simultaneously, the modular design of the energy system allows for rapid replacement of faulty units, shortening maintenance time and improving overall mission efficiency.
Environmental adaptability optimization is another key focus of energy system design. For marine environments characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and salt spray, energy equipment must employ corrosion-resistant materials, sealed structures, and heat dissipation designs to prevent performance degradation due to environmental corrosion. For example, battery packs need to be equipped with temperature control systems to prevent overheating and potential safety hazards; solar panels need to use salt spray-resistant coatings to reduce the impact of seawater corrosion on power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the system must support low-temperature start-up to ensure normal operation in extremely cold environments.
Lightweight and compact design is crucial for the endurance of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). By employing high-energy-density batteries, composite material structures, and integrated layouts, energy systems can reduce hull weight while maintaining performance, thereby increasing speed and range. For example, some USVs embed battery packs into the hull structure, reducing external space occupation; or optimize circuit design to reduce energy transmission losses and improve overall efficiency.
The energy supply system of a single-body multi-purpose unmanned boat achieves an efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy solution through multi-energy synergy, intelligent management, redundant design, environmental adaptability optimization, and lightweight layout. This design not only supports long-duration mission execution but also provides technical support for the widespread application of USVs in environmental monitoring, military reconnaissance, and emergency rescue. In the future, with the further integration of new energy technologies and artificial intelligence, the energy systems of unmanned surface vessels will develop towards higher efficiency and greater adaptability.
