Electric water vessel

Abstract

The disclosed invention relates to an electrically powered watercraft that may include a dynamic weight shifting system for reducing power requirements in operation, an electrical system that provides a first low voltage electrical power mode when stationary and a second high voltage electrical power mode when in motion for increased power and range, and an omnidirectional console for control of the watercraft. The electrical system increases power to the electric motors when the watercraft is in gear, while reducing the power level when the watercraft is not in motion. The omnidirectional control console for operation and control of the watercraft may be responsive to the orientation of the console with respect to the watercraft. This construction allows easy docking and close operation to other watercraft and obstructions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A water vessel ( 10 ), the water vessel includes a hull ( 12 ), at least one electrical propulsion motor ( 58 ) for rotation of a propeller ( 26 ) in response to controlled release of electrical power to the at least one electrical motor,
 at least one bank of batteries ( 30 ) interconnected in series and electrically connected to the at least one electrical motor,   an omnidirectional control console ( 28 ) for controlling the electrical power supplied to the at least one electrical motor and to control movements of the water vessel.   
     
     
         2 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein the hull is a catamaran hull having two distinct hulls ( 12 ) separated by a channel ( 15 ), each respective hull including at least one electrical propulsion motor ( 58 ) for rotation of a propeller ( 26 ) in response to controlled release of electrical power to the at least one electrical motor. 
     
     
         3 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 2  wherein the catamaran hull includes a hydrofoil ( 24 ) which extends across the channel ( 15 ) being attached to both hulls ( 12 ) to provide lift to the water vessel ( 10 ) as speed increases, reducing drag on the hull ( 12 ). 
     
     
         4 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 1  including a slide assembly ( 32 ) for holding the at least one bank of batteries ( 30 ), the slide assembly constructed and arranged for allowing the at least one bank of batteries to be controllably moved forward and aft in the hull ( 12 ) to alter the balance of the water vessel ( 10 ). 
     
     
         5 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 2  including at least two banks of batteries ( 30 ), a respective one bank of batteries positioned in each distinct hull ( 12 ). 
     
     
         6 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 5  including a slide assembly ( 32 ) for holding each respective bank of batteries ( 30 ), the slide assembly constructed and arranged for allowing the at least one bank of batteries to be controllably moved forward and aft in the hull ( 12 ) to alter the balance of the water vessel ( 10 ). 
     
     
         7 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 4  including a feedback sensor(s) to indicate the position of the bank of batteries ( 30 ) with respect to the hull ( 12 ) of the vessel ( 10 ). 
     
     
         8 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 6  including a feedback sensor(s) to indicate the position of each bank of batteries ( 30 ) with respect to each respective hull ( 12 ) of the vessel ( 10 ). 
     
     
         9 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 6  wherein the omnidirectional control console ( 28 ) provides simultaneous directional and thrust control of both electric motors ( 58 ) and their associated propellers ( 26 ). 
     
     
         10 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 9  wherein the omnidirectional control console ( 28 ) is constructed and arranged to rotate the controls with the rotation of the omnidirectional control console ( 28 ) such that when the omnidirectional control console is rotated, a forward control direction is the direction in which the omnidirectional control console is facing. 
     
     
         11 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 10  wherein the omnidirectional control console includes ( 28 ) wireless communication with the water vessel. 
     
     
         12 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein the water vessel includes a power control system ( 50 ), the power control system constructed and arranged to manage the voltage available throughout the electrical system of the water vessel, the power control system ( 50 ) including a low voltage and a high voltage wherein each voltage is only available upon predetermined conditions. 
     
     
         13 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein the low voltage is less than 60 volts and the high voltage is at least 96 volts. 
     
     
         14 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 13  wherein the low voltage is available when the water vessel is stationary and the higher voltage is available when the water vessel is in motion. 
     
     
         15 . The water vessel ( 10 ) of  claim 14  wherein the power control system includes at least one interlock sensor ( 60 ) to cause only the low voltage to be available when the interlock sensor ( 60 ) is opened.