Fabrication of Solar Powered Boat Using Plastic Bottles

FABRICATION OF BOAT WITH THE AID OF PLASTIC BOTTLES
POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY 2016
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction to solar energy:
With the increasing population of the world, researchers should think about
alternate sources of energy because primary sources of fuel are limited in stock. So the
scientists are looking for sustainable energy sources like sun, wind, water and tidal
flow. Of them solar energy is the prime source of renewable energy as it can get easily
from nature. The country which has enormous solar energy potentiality can think to use
it in diversified sectors. Specially, the developing and least developed country can think
solar energy as a cardinal source of energy to meet energy scarcity. Solar energy is
radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving
technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaic’s, solar thermal energy, solar
architecture and artificial photosynthesis, solar power is the conversion of sunlight into
electricity by using photovoltaic (PV). Photovoltaic converts light into an electric
current using the photovoltaic effect. It is an important source of renewable energy and
its technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar
depending on how they capture and distribute solar energy or convert it into solar
power. Active solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic systems, concentrated
solar power and solar water heating to harness the energy. Passive solar techniques
include orienting a building to the Sun, selecting materials with favorable thermal mass
or light-dispersing properties, and designing spaces that naturally circulate air. Solar
power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic's
(PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). CSP systems use lenses or
mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. PV
converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. Solar power is
anticipated to become the world's largest source of electricity by 2050, with solar
photovoltaic’s and concentrated solar power contributing 16 and 11 percent to the
global overall consumption, respectively.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 1

1.2 Introduction to recycling of plastic bottles:

The waste plastic bottle has a trend of increasing over the year. Both the
sales and wasted bottle have increase. India generates 5.6 million metric tons of plastic
waste annually, with Delhi generating the most of at municipality at 689.5 metric tons
every day, according to a report from the central pollution board (CPCB). About 60%
of total is recycled. The wasted plastic bottles inspire the idea of making boat using the
wasted plastic bottle. This idea is to inculcate the environmental awareness among the
public.
Figure 1.2 plastic bottles
1.3 Use of solar energy for transportation:
Alike the household solar cell and solar car, solar energy also can be a smart
choice to drive the boat. Some lowland countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia and
Maldives can use this kind of solar boat for its inland navigations. The fabrication and
installation of this solar boat is simple and reliable. Considering the economy, fuel
consumption, capacity, complexity and reliability solar energy driven boat is an
innovative invention. Development of a solar-powered car has been an engineering goal
since the 1980s. The World Solar Challenge is a biannual solar-powered car race,
where teams from universities and enterprises compete over 3,021 kilometers
(1,877 mi) across central Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. In 1987, when it was
founded, the winner's average speed was 67 kilometers per hour (42 mph) and by 2007
the winner's average speed had improved to 90.87 kilometers per hour (56.46 mph).
The North American Solar Challenge and the planned South African Solar Challenge

are comparable competitions that reflect an international interest in the engineering and
development of solar powered vehicles.
A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered completely or significantly by

direct solar energy. Usually, photovoltaic (PV) cells contained in solar panels convert
the sun’s energy directly into electric energy. The term "solar vehicle" usually implies
that solar energy is used to power all or part of a vehicle's propulsion. Solar power may
be also used to provide power for communications or controls or other auxiliary
functions.
Solar cars: Solar cars depend on PV cells to convert sunlight into electricity to drive
electric motors. Unlike solar thermal energy which converts solar energy to heat, PV
cells directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar cars are built for solar car
races and also for public use List of prototype solar-powered cars. Even the best solar
cells can only collect limited power and energy over the area of a car's surface. This
limits solar cars to ultra-light composite bodies to save weight. Solar cars lack the
safety and convenience features of conventional vehicles. The first solar family car was
built in 2013 by students in the Netherlands. This vehicle is capable of 550 miles on
one charge during sunlight. It weighs 850 pounds and has a 1.5kw solar array. Solar
vehicles must be light and efficient. 3,000 pound or even 2,000 pound vehicles are less
practical. Stella Lux the predecessor to Stella broke a record with a 932 mile single
charge range. The Dutch are trying to commercialize this technology.
Figure 1.3(a) solar car

Solar powered spacecraft: Solar energy is often used to supply power for satellites
and spacecraft operating in the inner solar system since it can supply energy for a long
time without excess fuel mass. A Communications satellite contains multiple radio
transmitters which operate continually during its life. It would be uneconomic to
operate such a vehicle (which may be on-orbit for years) from primary batteries or fuel
cells, and refueling in orbit is not practical. Solar power is not generally used to adjust
the satellite's position, however, and the useful life of a communications satellite will
be limited by the on-board station-keeping fuel supply.
Figure 1.3(b) solar space craft
In 1974, the unmanned AstroFlight Sunrise airplane made the first solar flight.
On 29 April 1979, the Solar Riser made the first flight in a solar-powered, fully
controlled, man-carrying flying machine, reaching an altitude of 40 feet (12 m). In
1980, the Gossamer Penguin made the first piloted flights powered solely by
photovoltaic’s. This was quickly followed by the Solar Challenger which crossed the
English Channel in July 1981. In 1990 Eric Scott Raymond in 21 hops flew from
California to North Carolina using solar power. Developments then turned back to
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) with the Pathfinder (1997) and subsequent designs,
culminating in the Helios which set the altitude record for a non-rocket-propelled
aircraft at 29,524 meters (96,864 ft) in 2001. The Zephyr, developed by BAE Systems,
is the latest in a line of record-breaking solar aircraft, making a 54-hour flight in 2007,
and month-long flights were envisioned by 2010. As of 2016, Solar Impulse, an electric
aircraft, is currently circumnavigating the globe. It is a single-seat plane powered by
solar cells and capable of taking off under its own power. The design allows the aircraft
to remain airborne for several days.

Solar powered boats: Solar powered boats have mainly been limited to rivers and
canals, but in 2007 an experimental 14m catamaran, the Sun21 sailed the Atlantic
from Seville to Miami, and from there to New York. It was the first crossing of the
Atlantic powered only by solar.
Japan's biggest shipping line Nippon Yusen KK and Nippon Oil

Corporation said solar panels capable of generating 40 kilowatts of electricity would be
placed on top of a 60,213 ton car carrier ship to be used by Toyota Motor Corporation.
In 2010, the Tûranor PlanetSolar, a 30 metre long, 15.2 metre

wide catamaran yacht powered by 470 square metres of solar panels, was unveiled. It
is, so far, the largest solar-powered boat ever built. In 2012, PlanetSolar became the
first ever solar electric vehicle tocircumnavigate the globe.
In 1975, the first practical solar boat was constructed in England. By 1995,
passenger boats incorporating PV panels began appearing and are now used
extensively. In 1996, Kenichi Horie made the first solar-powered crossing of the
Pacific Ocean, and the Sun21 catamaran made the first solar-powered crossing of the
Atlantic Ocean in the winter of 2006–2007. There were plans to circumnavigate the
globe in 2010.
Figure 1.3(c) solar boat
1.4 Objective:
i. The main objective of this project is to design and construct a boat that has
arrangement of waste plastic bottles. The boat is designed for lower cost and keeping

environmental aspect into consideration with alternate use for fiber boat powered by
engine causing pollution.
ii. Develop a boat that operate using DC motor that powered by solar energy. This boat
will carry the entire device include the PV panel, battery and DC motor.
1.5 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION:
1. The ordinary boat uses diesel fuel to run the generator of the boat, and then supply
electric power to run the electric motor. So, find the use of new alternative energy to
substitute the usefulness of fuel. The solar electric boat is one of the alternative energy
that can possibly solve this problem.
2. The solar electric boat cannot be used at night because there is no sunlight to produce
energy. However, this problem can be solved by using rechargeable batteries that can
supply current to the electric motor of the solar boat at night.
1.6 MATERIAL PROPERTIES:
Plastic bottles - Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated PET. Is the most

commonly used as containers for liquids and foods. Depending on its processing and
thermal history, polyethylene terephthalate may exist both as an amorphous
(transparent) and as asemi-crystalline polymer. Because PET is an excellent water and
moisture barrier material, plastic bottles made from PET are widely used for soft
drinks. For certain specialty bottles, such as those designated for beer containment,
PET sandwiches an additional polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) layer to further reduce its
oxygen permeability.
Steel rods - Steel is an alloy of iron and other elements, primarily carbon, that is

widely used in construction and other applications due of its hightensile strength and
low cost. Steel's base metal is iron, which is able to take on two crystalline forms
(allotropic forms), body centered cubic (BCC) and face centered cubic (FCC),
depending on its temperature. It is the interaction of those allotropes with the alloying
elements, primarily carbon, that gives steel and cast iron their range of unique
properties. In the body-centred cubic arrangement, there is an iron atom in the centre of

each cube, and in the face-centred cubic, there is one at the center of each of the six
faces of the cube. Carbon, other elements, and inclusions within iron act as hardening
agents that prevent the movement of dislocations that otherwise occur in the crystal
lattices of iron atoms. Steel is an essential material for society and sustainable
development; needed for people to satisfy their needs and aspirations. Steel is part of
people’s everyday lives, in both the developed and developing countries. It is used in
providing transportation such as automobiles and railroads, building shelters from small
housing to large multi-family dwellings, construction industries, delivering energy such
as electricity and natural gas, supplying water with pumps and pipelines. Steel is an
iron-based material containing low amounts of carbon and alloying elements that can
be made into thousands of compositions with exacting properties to meet a wide range
of needs. Steel is truly a versatile material. About twenty-six different elements are
used in various proportions and combinations in the manufacture of both carbon and
low alloy structural steels.
1.7 Expected outcome:
The expected outcome of the project is to produce the boat with the
arrangement of the plastic bottles. The idea is to put no kind of pollution back into the
atmosphere or into our oceans for that matter, so everything on the boat will be
composted. Everything will be recycled. This idea can also be implemented in a fiber
boat or a rescue boat by arranging plastic bottles at the water line section of boat which
avoids direct sinking of boat when the rescue boat is cracked during hit by heavy wave
or accident.

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 ARCHIMEDES’S PRINCIPLE
The Archimedes principle is one of the earliest scientific principles and it is

used in wide range of application. A mathematician, Archimedes of Syracuse,
discovered the theory of buoyancy. The idea came from Archimedes who had a flash of
inspiration as he felt his own buoyancy in a public bath.
“The buoyant force acting on a body immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of
the fluid displaced by the body, and it acts upwards through the centroid of the
displaced volume.”
Archimedes principle states that buoyant force acting on an immersed object is

equal to the weight of the displaced water. The explanation is not limited to the liquid
but the gases too. Both density of an object and fluid will determines the buoyant force.
An object will float if the object is less dense than the fluid. In contrast, an object will
sink if the object is denser than the fluid.
Figure 2.1 Archimede’s principle
2.2 Plastic Bottle
The bottles for mineral water are utilized by Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
plastic. A PET plastic are included in the semi-crystalline thermoplastic material that
own the opaque and white surface. The latter is widely used to store the detergent,

lubricant and etcetera. This material is generally good resistance to mineral oils,
solvents and acids but not to bases.
The semi-crystalline PET has better strength, ductility and stiffness compare to
amorphous type that has better ductility with less stiffness and hardness. On the other
hand, the PET will not react with oxygen and carbon dioxide and this well barrier are
suitable for the use for mineral water.
2.3 Plastiki
Plastiki is a ship that inspired by the Kon-Tiki voyage, which made from
approximate 12,500 reclaimed plastic soda bottles (PET). The owner or the expedition
leader David de Rothschild conceived the idea after reading a report that indicated the
world’s oceans were under threaten of the pollution. The voyage set sail from San
Francisco; United State to Sydney Australia across the Pacific Ocean and the duration
for the voyage took about 4 months.
Then, his team started to design by fit the bottles together in the right way was
the key to producing a solid structure and this inspiration was largely taken from the
formation of a pomegranate which pack together many soft seeds to create a hard outer
structure. The bottles provide the boat 68% of her buoyancy.
Figure 2.3 The voyage of Plastiki in sea

2.4 Solar Boat
With the increasing population of the world, researchers should think about
alternate sources of energy because primary sources of fuel are limited in stock. So the
scientists are looking for sustainable energy sources like sun, wind, water and tidal
flow. Of them solar energy is the prime source of renewable energy as it can get easily
from nature. The country which has enormous solar energy potentiality can think to use
it in diversified sectors. Considering the economy, fuel consumption, capacity,
complexity and reliability solar energy driven boat is an innovative invention. There are
many designed and fabricated solar powered boat that can satisfy the requirements of
short transportation. An average boat has a navigation capacity of 25km/Day with
maximum total weight of the unit of 200kg. The proposed solar boat has a battery
which can provide power in short cloudy periods as if it can be a reliable source of
transportation. Electric boats were very popular from the 1880s until the 1920s, when
the internal combustion engine took dominance. Since the energy crises of the 1970s,
interest in this quiet and potentially renewable marine energy source has been
increasing steadily again, especially as solar cells became available, for the first time
making possible motorboats with an infinite range like sailboats. The first
practical solar boat was probably constructed in 1975 in England.

CHAPTER 3
DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BOAT
3.1 Boat Buoyancy
Buoyancy may define as the float ability of a vessel. If the weight of the vessel
is less than the weight of an equal volume of water, the vessel will rise or float. The
rises of the vessel is due to the force that buoys it up is greater than the weight of the
vessel. It will continue to rise until it is partly above the surface of the water.
Furthermore, the volume of the submerged part of a floating boat provides the
buoyancy to keep the boat floating. When the boat is in rest mode, the buoyancy must
be equal to the weight of the boat. Hence, the weight of the boat called as displacement,
meaning the weight of the volume of water displaced. Buoyancy is an upward force
exerted by a fluid that opposes the weight of an immersed object. In a column of fluid,
pressure increases with depth as a result of the weight of the overlying fluid. Thus the
pressure at the bottom of a column of fluid is greater than at the top of the column.
Similarly, the pressure at the bottom of an object submerged in a fluid is greater than at
the top of the object. This pressure difference results in a net upwards force on the
object. The magnitude of that force exerted is proportional to that pressure difference,
and (as explained by Archimedes' principle) is equivalent to the weight of the fluid that
would otherwise occupy the volume of the object, i.e. the displaced fluid.
For this reason, an object whose density is greater than that of the fluid in
which it is submerged tends to sink. If the object is either less dense than the liquid or is
shaped appropriately (as in a boat), the force can keep the object afloat. This can occur
only in a reference frame which either has a gravitational field or is accelerating due to
a force other than gravity defining a "downward" direction. In a situation of fluid
statics, the net upward buoyancy force is equal to the magnitude of the weight of fluid
displaced by the body.

figure 3.1 Buoyancy effect
Buoyant Force
W.K.T. Buoyant Force is given by
Fb = Vg
Where,
Fb – Buoyant Force.
V – Volume displaced by the object.
Density of the displaced fluid.
g – Acceleration due to gravity.
Fb = (2x10-3) (1000) (9.81)
Fb = 19.62 N
There fore, a single 2L plastic bottle requires 19.62 N of force in order to

immerse the bottle completely into the water. The force is equal to almost 2kg of
weight.
That is each bottle can carry a weight of 2kg and is completely immersed into
water. For boat to float we do not need bottle to be immersed completely. Hence,
considering safety we can assume each bottle can carry weight of 1kg (2/n = 2/2).

Figure 3.1a Figure 3.1b
We can see in the above figures, fig 3.1a shows 2 bottles carrying a weight of 2kg and
fig 3.1b shows 2 bottles carrying weight of 3kg.
3.2 Structure
The cap or lid of the plastic bottled are tightened which keeps the boat
floating. Now the question is what holds the bottles together? Answer is the steel rod.
Steel rods used in the boat forms the primary structure of the boat and this is what holds
the bottles together and avoid the whole assembly from sinking. The structure of the
boat is as shown in figure below.

Figure 3.2(a) Basic structure of the boat made out of steel rod
The boat also has a triangular shaped structure in front of the boat this gives
not only the stability and better cruising speed but also a good shape. All the steel rods
are welded so that it provides greater strength and stability, the steel rods are painted in
order to avoid corrosion. The pointed triangular shape avoids higher resistance for the
movement of boat in the water. Further bottles are arranged within the steel structure
tightly and rigidly, bottles are tied to each other as well as to the steel rod, thread holds
the bottle in place and helps bottles lift the whole assembly. Apart from frame bottles
are also placed and tied at the bed which helps in floating as well as forming cushion
for people to sit on. Figure below shows the complete boat assembly.
Figure 3.2(b) Boat assembly after placing and tienag bottles

3.3 Centroid of the Boat
The centroid of the boat is the point where the total sum of a pressure field acts
on a body, causing a force to act through that point. The total force vector acting at the
center of pressure is the value of the integrated vectorial pressure location produce
equivalent force and moment on the body as the original pressure field. In other words
centroid is the point where and when the force is applied boat is in equilibrium.
Figure 3.3 centroid of the boat
Centroid can be calculated by using the formula
X1 = (X1A1+X2A2) / (A1+A2)
X1 = (4x40 + 4.66x5) / (45)
X1 = (160 + 23.3) / 45
X1 =4.07 ft
Where,
X1 and A1 are CG and area of rectangular structure of the boat.
X2 and A2 are CG and area of triangular structure of the boat.

3.4 Boat Capacity
Boat capacity is a very important criteria to be considered for safe voyage in

the boat. Every boat has its own strength and capacity to carry load or passengers in
them, the capacity of the boat is the amount of load it can carry without sinking. The
weight that a boat can carry depends on the buoyant force. As we have discussed in
section 3.1 about buoyant force and the calculation, now we are aware that each 2L
bottle can safely carry a load of 1kg. The boat we constructed here contains total
number of 266 2L waste bottles, hence it is clear that this boat can carry a total weight
of approximately 265 kg including self weight.
3.5 Physical specification
The length of a boat is one of the most important factor affecting the boat’s
price. Yet, the represented length does not always reflect the true size of the boat. The
length measured along its centre line is called the length overall. Length overall, often
abbreviated as (LOA). This length is important while docking of boat, it is the most
commonly used way of expressing the size of a boat
Apart from buoyancy surface area also helps to keep the boat afloat. More
surface area gives an object a better chance to displace enough water to offset its own
weight. For instance, a small ball of clay likely will sink before it can displace the
amount of water equal to its weight. But if you flatten the ball into a thin pancake, there
is more surface area to distribute the weight across and displace the water, so it will
float.
Table below shows some of the important physical parameters
Description Dimension
Overall length of the boat 10ft

Width of the boat 5ft
Weight of the boat 45kg
Capacity of the boat including self weight 265kg
(approximate)
Capacity of the boat (approximate) 220kg

Surface area in contact with water 45ft2

Surface area available for seating 26ft2
Table 3.5 Physical specification of the boat
3.6 Weight of different parts of the boat
An object that sinks also displaces an amount of fluid equal to the object's
volume. Thus buoyancy is expressed by Archimedes' Principle which states that when
this happens, the weight of the object is reduced by its volume times the density of the
fluid. If the weight of the object is less than this quantity, it will float, if more it will
sink. The amount of fluid displaced is directly related (via Archimedes' Principle) to its
weight.
Displacement is used as a measure of the weight of ships (see: Hull (watercraft),

load line and Stability conditions (watercraft). The displacement of a vessel is equal to
the weight of water it displaces when afloat.
Vessels such as naval ships and icebreakers are often measured by their
displacements. The unit of measure can be long tons or metric tons depending on the
country of origin. The ship can be measured in light condition, fully loaded, or normal.
Description Weight in Kg
Weight of rod used 27
Weight of each bottle 0.06
Total weight of bottles 16
Weight of battery 18
Weight of motor and panel 10
Total weight 71
Table 3.6 Weight description of different parts of the boat

3.7 Motor and battery information
Under certain limited circumstances, you can get away with using a standard
car battery. The circumstances are: where you have a small boat, with a
fractional h.p. motor (i.e. one that doesn't draw a lot of current) and where you are only
travelling short distances between charges
As one might expect, the bigger the boat (and hence the motor) the bigger the
'battery' needed. If you are powering the Small category of craft then just one 12 volt
battery will be sufficient (you might have trouble carrying more than one!). As the boat
gets bigger and the motor more powerful, so does the size of battery needed. The two
factors governing battery size - more accurately battery voltage and energy capacity -
are the motor voltage and the motor power output.
There are broadly three 'sizes' of motor that can be successfully used with each of the
three boat types.
- The first is the electric trolling motor - usually in the 0.5 - 1 hp range - suitable for
craft carrying between 1 & 4 people.
- Then there are the 1 - 3 hp motors, either in the form of an electric outboard or for
inboard mounting. These would be fitted to boats in the 25 to 30 foot region.
Description Appearance
Amp.hour 30 Ah battery
Battery voltage 12v/24v
RPM max 1600 rpm
Motor power 500 watts
Shaft length 3 ft
Forward Yes
Reverse Yes
Battery weight 18 kg
Motor weight 9 kg
Table 3.7 motor and battery specification
CHAPTER 4

FABRICATION
4.1 Welding process:
Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually

metals or thermoplastics, by causing fusion, which is distinct from lower temperature
metal-joining techniques such as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base
metal. In addition to melting the base metal, a filler material is often added to the joint
to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to form a joint that can be
as strong, or even stronger, than the base material. Pressure may also be used in
conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce a weld. Initially steel rods are bent for the
required lengths, and for joining process welding of those rods are done. Structure of
the boat is made stable and rigid. Figure below shows the welding process under taken
while constructing the boat.
Figure 4.1(a) cutting process

Figure 4.1(b) welding process
4.2 Bottle arrangement:

The bottles are arranged inside the iron structure as shown. Bottles are
compactly placed with one another. Only the bottles will take the maximum load, and
the iron structure is given mainly for the rigid support. While sailing the boat, the
buoyancy force acting on the boat is much higher, hence the bottles are tightly packed
with one another, and tied to the support. Also the top portion of the bottles are covered
so that it can withstand high buoyancy force.
The bottles can be arranged inside the rigid structure in any desired manner.
Uniform arrangement of bottles can withstand more load. The outer portion of the
structure is filled with bottle, which are placed vertically. And the bottles are placed
horizontally inside the body of the structure.

The bottles are arranged compactly also bottles are tied with thread of required
property. So that it gives extra stability to the arranged bottles to withstand high
buoyancy force.
Figure 4.2 Bottle arrangements.

4.3 Installation of Electrical components

In order to run the boat the main electrical components used are
1. Solar panel: It consists of many photovoltaic cells placed together. It converts
the solar energy into electrical energy which is used to run the boat. The
terminals of the solar panel is connected to battery. The electric energy
converted is first stored in the battery. Positive terminal of the solar panel is
connected to positive terminal of the battery. And the negative terminal of the
solar panel is connected to negative terminal of the battery. Wrong connections
may lead to damage of solar panels.
2. Battery: Battery is used to store electricity which is sent from the photovoltaic
cells. The electric energy from the photovoltaic cells cannot be used directly to
run the motor due to lack of voltage. Hence the battery is used to run the boat
uninterrupted. Simultaneously the battery is charged form the solar cells.
3. Motor: It is used to run the boat. The positive and negative terminal of the
motor is connected to the positive and negative terminal of motor respectively,
so that the boat is moved in forward direction. By changing the polarity the boat
can be moved in reverse direction.
The motor is connected to a shaft. And the other end of shaft is connected to the
propeller, which rotates inside the water and makes the boat to move
4. Wiring: All the electrical components of the boat are connected by means of
insulated copper wire.

CHAPTER 5
COST ESTIMATION
Materials used Cost(in Rupees)
Bottles 200
Iron rod 850
DC motor 4000
Battery 2500
Solar panel 2000
Other accessories 1000
Total 10,550
Table 5 cost estimation

CHAPTER 6
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages:
1. Solar power helps to slow/stop global warming. Global warming threatens

the survival of human society, as well as the survival of countless species.
Luckily, decades (or even centuries) of research have led to efficient solar panel
systems that create electricity without producing global warming
pollution. Solar power is now very clearly one of the most important
solutions to the global warming crisis.
2. Solar power saves society billions or trillions of dollars. Even long before
society’s very existence is threatened by global warming, within the coming
decades, global warming is projected to cost society trillions of dollars if left
unabated. So, even ignoring the very long-term threat of societal suicide,
fighting global warming with solar power will likely save society billions or
even trillions of dollars.
3. No moving parts. Unlike wind turbines, there is very little maintenance

required. Only a periodic cleaning is needed.
4. Self-charging. Solar panels will continuously recharge the batteries, even when
the boat is moored & unmanned.
5. Recycling saves the Earth. Recycling can help minimize the cutting of trees,
which are used to make paper. So, by cutting less trees and producing more
recycled paper, we preserve the environment for future generations. Besides
that, conserving forests will help the environment. This is because trees are
known to improve air, prevent floods and provide raw materials and
nourishment.

6. Recycling spreads awareness for the environment. Recycling is just the start
of a revolution that will help preserve this planet for our children’s children.
Once people start to be accustomed to recycling, they will gain more eco-
consciousness, encouraging them to participate in other environmentally
friendly activities.
7. Boat safety. In case of normal boats any small damage of hull or other parts
sinks the entire boat. Where as in this proposed boat damage to bottles does not
sink the whole boat, other bottles helps the boat to float.
Disadvantages:
1. That disadvantage is that the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day. When the
sun goes down or is heavily shaded, solar PV panels stop producing
electricity.
2. Panels take up valuable space on the deck and may be damaged by

accidental tromping. Smaller units may not provide enough power for
the boat's needs and must be sized appropriately for the intended load.
The cost of solar panel is high which increases the initial cost.
3. Solar panels must be constantly cleaned of dust, water marks and should
be kept away from water to retain maximum efficiency.

CHAPTER 7
APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE WORK
Applications
1. Tourism places.
It can be used in tourist places where there is water. In tourist places we
can see that there is proper way to dispose the plastic bottles. Hence they can
make use of those waste used plastic bottles and construct the boat.
2. Fishing.
It can be used for fishing purpose. Since farmers/fishermen cannot

afford costlier boats, hence they can use this boat which is much cheaper and
easy in construction.
Future work/extension
1. Different shapes of boats can be constructed.
2. Arranging the bottles in different orientation.
3. Using different material for the construction of structure can be made.
4. Installing solar panels on the roof of the boat to increase the efficiency.
5. Using more number of solar panels.
6. This idea can also be implemented in a fiber boat or a rescue boat by arranging
plastic bottles at the water line section of boat which avoids direct sinking of
boat when the rescue boat is cracked during hit by heavy wave or accident.

CONCLUSION
Scientist always insists that this is the high time to minimize the dependency of fuel of
conventional energy sources gradually and side by side to encourage the renewable
energy sources. For this reason the use of solar energy in boat for inland navigation of
developing countries can help a lot to reduce fossil fuel dependency and minimize cost.
The boat is designed both electrically and mechanically for a particular weight carrier
and particular distance. So if the number of passenger and distance changes then
photovoltaic cell and battery specifications should change according to the condition.
The proposed boat is stable and floats in calm water. Self-weight of boat is 71kg, apart
from that it has a safe carrying capacity of 195kg, which can carry up to 3 average
weighing people. Based on simple design, cost minimization, efficiency and reliability,
this proposed boat can be a best option for pollution free green inland navigation
system.

REFERENCES
1. Design and Construction of a Boat Powered by Solar Energy with the Aid of
Computational Tools CARLOS RIVERA-SOLORIO, ALEJANDRO J. GARCI ´A-
CUE ´LLAR and ABIUD FLORES Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tecnolo
´gico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Colonia
Tecnolo ´gico, CP 64849, Monterrey, NL, Mexico. E-mail: rivera.carlos@itesm.mx
2. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology Vol.64 (2014), pp.31-42

http://dx.doi.org/10.14257/ijast.2014.64.04
3. DETAIL DESIGN OF WASTE PLASTIC BOTTLES RESCUE BOAT Faculty of

Mechanical Engineering UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG
4. Journal of Transportation Technologies, 2012, 2, 144-149

http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jtts.2012.22015 Published Online April 2012
(http://www.SciRP.org/journal/jtts)
5. Plastiki Project, Pacific Ocean Voyage, Recycled Plastic Bottles

http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/explore/plastiki/
6. J. Davenport and J. L. Davenport, “The Impact of Tour- ism and Personal Leisure
Transport on Coastal Environments: A Review Estuarine,” Coastal and Shelf Science,
Vol. 67, No. 1-2, 2006, pp. 280-292. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2005.11.026

APPENDIX


Fabrication of Solar Powered Boat Using Plastic Bottles

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FABRICATION OF BOAT WITH THE AID OF PLASTIC BOTTLES

POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY 2016

1.1 Introduction to solar energy:

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 1

1.2 Introduction to recycling of plastic bottles:

Figure 1.2 plastic bottles

1.3 Use of solar energy for transportation:

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 2

A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered completely or significantly by

Figure 1.3(a) solar car

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 3

Figure 1.3(b) solar space craft

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 4

Japan's biggest shipping line Nippon Yusen KK and Nippon Oil

In 2010, the Tûranor PlanetSolar, a 30 metre long, 15.2 metre

Figure 1.3(c) solar boat

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 5

1.5 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION:

1.6 MATERIAL PROPERTIES:

Plastic bottles - Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated PET. Is the most

Steel rods - Steel is an alloy of iron and other elements, primarily carbon, that is

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 6

1.7 Expected outcome:

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 7

2.1 ARCHIMEDES’S PRINCIPLE

The Archimedes principle is one of the earliest scientific principles and it is

Archimedes principle states that buoyant force acting on an immersed object is

Figure 2.1 Archimede’s principle

2.2 Plastic Bottle

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 8

Figure 2.3 The voyage of Plastiki in sea

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 9

2.4 Solar Boat

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 10

DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BOAT

3.1 Boat Buoyancy

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 11

figure 3.1 Buoyancy effect

W.K.T. Buoyant Force is given by

V – Volume displaced by the object.

Density of the displaced fluid.

g – Acceleration due to gravity.

Fb = (2x10-3) (1000) (9.81)

There fore, a single 2L plastic bottle requires 19.62 N of force in order to

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 12

Figure 3.1a Figure 3.1b

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 13

Figure 3.2(b) Boat assembly after placing and tienag bottles

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 14

3.3 Centroid of the Boat

Figure 3.3 centroid of the boat

Centroid can be calculated by using the formula

X1 = (4x40 + 4.66x5) / (45)

X1 and A1 are CG and area of rectangular structure of the boat.

X2 and A2 are CG and area of triangular structure of the boat.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 15

3.4 Boat Capacity

Boat capacity is a very important criteria to be considered for safe voyage in

3.5 Physical specification

Table below shows some of the important physical parameters

Overall length of the boat 10ft

Department of Mechanical Engineering, ATME Mysuru Page 16