AIcharge

Intelligent Algorithm Solutions for Electric Recharging of Recreational Boats

Period of execution:

December 2021 – August 2022

Coordinator

Participants

Description

Electrification of recreational craft is a reality in northern Europe and the United States, albeit with limitations to ensure autonomy. The aim of reducing emissions and preserving marine ecosystems is expected to drive a growing demand for electric boats. Hence the need to update the infrastructure for charging such vehicles, or their installation in areas without harbours such as anchorage coves.

Therefore, the AICharge project has developed a charging solution for electric recreation boats to be installed as a buoy in anchorage coves. This solution aims to act as a boat autonomy extender as well as offering an eco-sustainable alternative, especially in areas that require greater protection. In this sense, AIcharge integrates Artificial Intelligence and distributed registry (Blockchain) technologies to maximise the electric recharging of recreational boats with sustainable energy sources, in order to reduce and even eliminate the current dependence on fossil fuels and thus contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

AIcharge is born out of a collaboration in the water-energy nexus and in the field of the Blue Economy, with the aim of tackling the decarbonisation of boats through the use of renewable energies and the protection of the marine environment.

Funding:

AIcharge, with file number AEI-010500-2021b-88, is co-funded by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism (MINCOTUR) through the second call for AEIs of 2021 under the Next Generation grants and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.