Design of a Fuel-Cell-Powered Catamaran-Type Unmanned Surface Vehicle

Abstract

The goal of this study is to verify the applicability of fuel cells for powering surface vessels by developing a small catamaran-type unmanned surface vehicle (USV) powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. This study encompasses the entire process of designing a fuel-cell-powered USV, as well as sea trial tests with a 1.487-m full-scale prototype. To improve the performance and system efficiency of the USV, a simulation-based hull form design and integrated control systems were implemented during the design process. First, the optimum hull form of the catamaran, with the optimum separation, was determined based on hydrodynamic optimization using parametric models to achieve good fuel economy. Second, an automatic control system integrated with the global positioning and inertial navigation systems was implemented in the designed catamaran so that it had the ability to perform waypoint, departure, station keeping, and turning circle maneuvers. Next, the gain parameters of the fuzzy proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller were adjusted to assure reliable tracking control. Automatically controlled trial tests were then conducted to validate the performance of the autonomous surface vehicle with respect to the fuel cell power requirements and its dynamic motion. Based on the results of the trial tests and the transient response of the fuel cell, a hybrid power control algorithm for the fuel cell and the batteries was implemented for more efficient power utilization. This catamaran-type unmanned surface vehicle powered with a fuel cell can be utilized for ocean environment monitoring and multifunctional missions.