Control and Measurement Embedded system on a Marine Drone

After two participations in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in 2021 and 2022, the Swiss Solar Boat team set itself a new challenge: positioning the project halfway between a pure optimization approach for competition purposes and an evolution toward becoming an industrial player in the field of sustainable boating.

Since the propulsion system plays a crucial role in the boat’s energy efficiency and performance, several tests and studies were conducted to develop an optimized propulsion solution. To achieve this, Erik Maffei and I studied the feasibility of a test bench integrated directly into a Surface Effect Ship (SES), offering free and independent access to the testing environment.

To measure the mechanical loads that the propulsion system would apply to thevertical strut (the component connecting the propulsion block to the hull), we integrated an HBM MCS10 six-axis load cell, capable of measuring forces and moments along the x, y, and z axes, with the signal then amplified by the HBM QuantumX. The HBK Catman software, installed on the onboard computer, converts these signals, collects data, and processes it, notably using a low-pass filter configuration.

To integrate the electronic measurement equipment, a steel base and a carbon bracket were designed in 3DEXPERIENCE. A manual pre-calculation of stresses, followed by a finite element analysis in Abaqus, allowed us to evaluate the loads applied to the bracket — including the bending moment during straight-line motion and the centrifugal load during turning.

We also listed and configured all the electronic equipment required for remote boat control: radio transmitter, receiver, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), free-wheel electronic circuit associated with the ESC, Arduino, GPS, and a battery sized to ensure 20 minutes of autonomy, according to our estimations.

Skills Used