Modeling of a solar electric boat power system using matlab/simulink

Malaysia's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for its industrial and transportation sectors, has presented challenges in recent years, primarily due to the limited availability and increasing costs of these resources. Moreover, the continued use of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates environmental degradation. One of the industries that contribute to these causes is the fishing industry. Fishing vessels rely on fossil fuels such as diesel or petrol to power their engines. Therefore, this project proposes the modeling of a solar boat as a proactive solution to mitigate the growing challenges caused by the fishing industry as a solution to reduce diesel consumption and decrease gas emissions. The model comprises a DC-DC boost convener, an MPPT controller using Perturb and Observe (P&O), and an ideal switch with the power and voltage output of the system analysed using MA TLAB/SIMULINK. Two case studies were carried out to assess how the system performed under various weather conditions. The results highlighted the impact of varying solar irradiance and temperature on the power and voltage output that is suitable to generate motor power for boats on a large scale. By leveraging solar energy, this project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), specifically in preserving the environment for future generations and promoting Renewable Energy (RE). The successful implementation of this solar electric boat mode/ can contribute to reducing Malaysia's dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating environmental impact, and fostering a sustainable energy future.