A Hybrid Green Energy Propulsion Technology for Navigation of Inland Watercrafts

Theophilus C. Nwokedi; John Eru; Chukwuebuka Osondu-Okoro; John Folayan Ojutalayo; Righteousness Ofurumazi; Ononuju Paulinus Nwokedi

doi:10.65773/sst.1.1.64

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Information Fusion

Article Type: Research Article

Issue: Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025)

Published: 29 November 2025

Pages: 47-60

How to Cite

Nwokedi, T. C., Eru, J., Osondu-Okoro, C., Folayan Ojutalayo, J., Ofurumazi, R., & Nwokedi, O. P. (2025). A Hybrid Green Energy Propulsion Technology for Navigation of Inland Watercrafts. Smart Ship Technologies, 1(1), 47-60. https://doi.org/10.65773/sst.1.1.64

Authors

Theophilus C. Nwokedi ¹ ^*

,

John Eru ²

,

Chukwuebuka Osondu-Okoro ¹

,

John Folayan Ojutalayo ³

,

Righteousness Ofurumazi ¹

,

Ononuju Paulinus Nwokedi ⁴

¹ School of Logistics and Innovation Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

² Nigeria Maritime University

³ Federal College of Oceanography and Fisheries, Lagos, Nigeria

⁴ Atlantic Maritime Academy, Port-Harcourt Nigeria

Abstract

In view of the hazardous effects of emission from fossil fuels propelled boats and its contributions to global warming; the study investigated the operability potentials of inland water boats propelled by a hybrid of solar power, wind power and electric drive green energy technology. The specific objectives of the study were to estimate for purposes of implementation in the design of boats used for inland navigation in Nigeria, the rate of change coefficients in rpm of solar motive power and wind propelled boats, following variations in solar and wind power outputs, fed into the electric drive system. The study also evaluated the extent of change in the speed and distances sailed by the watercraft following variations in solar and wind motive power energy sources, and compared the performances of solar and wind-turbine motive power sources for navigation in inland waterways. Experimental research design method was used. Solar energy panels, winder turbines (wind-mill), electrical capacitors, DC motors and electrical batteries were hybridized to produce a hybrid green energy source of power for propulsion of small laboratory watercraft, with hull made of light aluminum padded with cardboard paper and double mini propellers system and used for purposes of the experiment. Primary data on the operability of the boat when powered respectively by solar motive power and wind-turbine was obtained by sailing the craft in a laboratory towing-tank and in Otamiri freshwater respectively. The data obtained was analyzed using the rate of change analysis, log-linear regression analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that, solar and wind powered ship propulsion systems perform disproportionately in terms of rpm, speed, and distance of travel over a given time period. Solar energy source shows to perform significantly better in terms of rpm, speed and distance of sail. For each unit change (increase) in rpm of the DC motor integrated to the solar motive power, the boat travels and extra distance of 0.004 meters. The coefficient of rate of change of speed of the watercraft relative to change in solar power output of the propulsion system is 0.015m/s. For each unit increase in power output of the solar energy motive power source, the rpm of the DC drive increased by 312.00 rpm. The rate of change of rpm relative to the variations in power output of the wind turbine 402.00 rpm. The coefficient of rate of change of speed of the watercraft relative to change in power output of the wind turbine is 0.015m/s. The average rate of change coefficient of the distance traveled by the watercraft in the fresh water, following changes in rpm of the DC motor is 0.0023 meters. The implications of the results were discussed and conclusions drawn in line with the objectives of the study.

Keywords:

Green-shipping, ship-propulsion, solar power, wind-mill, Inland-navigation

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