Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) provides UMD students of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience with the opportunity to engage in scaffolded, multidisciplinary team-based projects.
VIP Team Information
VIP Team
Electric Boats - From Competition to Cleaner Harbors
VIP Faculty Mentors:
Mr. Brian Palmer
Mr. Richard Blanton
Engineering Information Technology
A. James Clark School of Engineering
Meeting Location, Day & Time:
Time: Tuesdays 5-7PM
Location: ALEx Garage (E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory, Room 1113)
Description:
Research, design, build, and test marine electric propulsion systems as a cleaner way to work and play on the water! Working alongside the Terrapin Works Electric Boat Team, you will investigate the interdependencies of core systems components when designing a boat to fill a prioritized requirements list. You’ll learn how choice of motor type, cell chemistry, hull characteristics, propeller design, driver behavior, and more can affect a boat’s speed, range, reliability, longevity, safety, cost, and more. We’ll even learn to leverage machine learning and computer vision for use in autonomous navigation and control systems for driverless applications or to improve efficiency and safety in manned vessels.
Our projects connect electric boat competition with practical questions about recreational and commercial boating. How much energy does a boat need for a particular trip? How can maximize efficiency to increase performance without adding more batteries? When does converting an existing internal combustion boat to electric propulsion make sense? What use cases make the most sense when adopting electric propulsion? How could solar charging support everyday use? We’ll be building boats to compete in Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP), a collegiate competition hosted by the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE). We’ll also work with real-world clients and parallel research projects tied to an ongoing MIPS grant funded project, and STEM exposure education programs for Baltimore’s K-12 students, through our connection with Terrapin Works Baltimore.
Working in our team space in ALEx Garage, and utilizing the Terrapin Works suite of digital fabrication makerspaces, students will work in small groups to research components, develop designs, prototype systems, generate informative data, and use evidence to recommend interactive improvements. As a member of our team, you will contribute to an ongoing project, document your work for future teammates, and have opportunities to grow from a new team member into a project leader and mentor, all while helping drive the informed adaptation of clean marine electric propulsion in and around the Chesapeake Bay and around the world.
Methods:
Research, comparison, and design of components and systems
Translation of competition requirements and restrictions or user needs into engineering requirements
CAD design and rapid prototyping
Electrical and control systems development
Testing and data analysis
Technical communication and mentoring
Team building and fun!
Majors:
Although there is a strong emphasis on Engineering, all majors are welcome, depending on your personal interests and how you’d like to contribute.
Preferred Interests:
We seek curious, dependable students who enjoy solving practical problems, collaborating across disciplines, and learning through research and experimentation. No prior boating, research, CAD, or electrical experience is required for entry-level contributions. Experience with fabrication, circuit design, programming, data analysis, technical writing, or teaching is welcome.
Students should be willing to learn appropriate tool and laboratory practices, document their work, communicate progress and setbacks, and contribute consistently to shared goals. We particularly welcome students interested in participating for three or more semesters, allowing time to develop technical skills, take ownership of subsystems, and mentor newer teammates.
Participation includes the weekly team meeting and additional project work towards meeting our deadlines and goals. Although it is not required, off-campus testing on the water and attending the PEP competition in April are encouraged. We encourage mentorship of Baltimore City K-12 students through our related Terrapin Works Baltimore STEM programming, but this is also not a requirement.