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Find answers to your questions about our innovative electric outboards and propulsion systems. Explore topics from performance specs to environmental impact, and discover how ACEL Power is steering the marine industry towards a sustainable future.
kW stands for kilowatt, a unit of power measurement. A single kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts (enough power to light up ten 100-watt incandescent lightbulbs) and a single kilowatt is roughly equal to 1.34 Horsepower.
An electric motor with 50 brake horsepower (BHP) as output is therefore rated at about 37.3 wW of power. For clarity and ease, we publish all our power ratings for motors in HP to make it easier to compare to other engines.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement for the amount of electricity used or consumed over a period of time
One kilowatt-hour is equal to using 1,000 watts of electricity for one hour. This measurement is commonly used to rate the storage capacity and available energy from a battery, but also used in other calculations.
To convert horsepower (also referred to as PS or Pferdstarken) to kilowatts, multiply the horsepower value by 0.746. Example: 1 HorsePower = 0.746 kW
Inversley, to convert kilowatts (kW) to horsepower, multiply the value by 1.34. Example: 1 kW = 1.34 Horsepower.
Torque is a measurement of rotational force. A higher torque value means that the engine can exert more force to turn the propeller, resulting in improved acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
It is often expressed in Foot-pounds or Newton Meters (nM). The lug nuts that attach the wheels to your car typically need to be tightened to about 100lb.-ft of torque — meaning the operator must apply 100 pounds of force to the end of a foot-long wrench.
RPM stands for "Revolutions Per Minute." In the context of marine propulsion, RPM refers to the number of complete rotations a boat's engine or motor makes in one minute. It's a measure of how fast the engine's crankshaft is turning and is a critical factor in determining the speed and performance of the boat.
For marine propulsion, RPM is used to indicate how many times the propeller attached to the engine's output shaft completes a full rotation in a minute, assuming a 1:1 drive ratio. The RPM value is closely linked to the power and torque of the engine and influences the boat's acceleration, top speed, and overall efficiency. Properly managing RPM is important for achieving optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and safe operation of the vessel.
The shaft is the part of the outboard from the top of the clamp bracket to the bottom of the cavitation plate (for combustion outboards) or central of the propeller (for electric outboards). Standard/ short shaft is 15 inches (38 cm), long shaft is 20 inches (51 cm), extra long is 25 inches (63.5 cm) and ultralong is 30 inches (62 cm).
We provide a 20 inch (51 cm) shaft by default and can provide up to 35 inch (89 cm) long shafts through custom request, in 5 inch (12.7 cm) increments.
Planing is the mode of operation for a waterborne craft in which its weight is predominantly supported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than hydrostatic lift (buoyancy).
Planing is often done via the use of "trim tabs" which adjust the vessels inclination in a fore-aft plane. When an ideal plane is achieved, both fuel efficiency and top speeds can be optimized.
Outboard motors offer several advantages over inboard motors. They are typically more versatile and easier to maneuver, thanks to their external mounting on the transom of a boat, allowing for quicker directional changes and improved handling. Outboards are generally easier to access for maintenance and repair, as they can be easily lifted out of the water and removed. They also save valuable space within the boat, making them more suitable for smaller watercraft.
Electric outboard motors are versatile and can be used in a variety of water bodies, including both saltwater (also sometimes referred to as "tidal water") and freshwater environments. However, it's important to note the difference between saltwater and freshwater usage:
Saltwater: Electric outboards can perform well in saltwater conditions. One challenge in saltwater environments is the potential for corrosion. Regular maintenance, such as rinsing the motor with freshwater after each use and using anti-corrosion coatings, is essential to mitigate the effects of saltwater and ensure the longevity of the outboard.
Freshwater: Freshwater usage is generally less challenging for ACEL Power electric outboards in terms of corrosion. These motors typically require less maintenance when used in freshwater environments.
: ACEL Power is a clean tech company that designs and manufactures electric outboard motors for the marine industry. ACEL's commitment to shaping a sustainable future is realized through its state-of-the-art products, setting new standards for performance, maintenance, convenience, and longevity in marine propulsion. Leveraging patented technology and integrated software solutions, ACEL Power aims to revolutionize the marine industry, driving change towards cleaner, more efficient boating experience.
ACEL Power is a Canadian company led by co-founders Anthony Liu, CEO, and John Liu, President. Michael Liu presides over the company as the Chairman. Michael was an early pioneer in the field of lithium-ion batteries establishing one of the first manufacturing companies in 1994. Acel Power is built on the experience of decades of manufacturing experience serving Fortune 500 companies and foundational patents developed by Michael in his pursuit of developing alternative energy solutions.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (often hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) into electricity through a pair of redox reactions. Hydrogen (the fuel) is essentially acting as a battery. It is often created by running an electrical current through an anode and a cathode within a body of water. Water (made up of both Hydrogen and Oxygen) reacts to the electricity by separating the molecules into pure hydrogen and oxygen (note: there is potential for some contamination based on many factors).
The fuel cell uses the hydrogen fuel as feedstock to reunite the hydrogen with other molecules which releases an electrical current in the process. Note that the conversion of water to hydrogen and subsequent re-conversion of hydrogen to electrical energy is a very "lossy" process. Hydrogen systems are much less efficient than Lithium-Ion battery systems in general but do offer several key advantages for marine use. The most notable of these is the ability to refuel a vessel much faster with liquid or highly compressed hydrogen as opposed to re-charging a battery array. The latter takes much longer.
Note that both processes release thermal energy as a byproduct of the conversion process.
Currently, ACEL Power is developing a new hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell marine propulsion system for the Indian Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Tata Motors. This innovative project represents a significant step forward in the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology for sustainable and efficient marine transportation solutions.
By developing this technology, we can encourage clean energy adoption, reduce emissions, encourage sustainable government policy and transfer clean energy propulsion to more types of transportation.
Outboard motors offer several advantages over inboard motors. They are typically more versatile and easier to maneuver, thanks to their external mounting on the transom of a boat, allowing for quicker directional changes and improved handling. Outboards are generally easier to access for maintenance and repair, as they can be easily lifted out of the water and removed. They also save valuable space within the boat, making them more suitable for smaller watercraft.
The ideal boats for these electric motors are within the size range of 15 to 21 feet. These motors are versatile and can be used with various boat materials such as aluminium, fiberglass, or carbon fibre. They are compatible with different boat styles, including pontoon, fishing, skiff, and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), encompassing a wide range of vessel types.
There are various boat types that can use an ACEL Power electric outboard system including speed boats, pontoons, displacement hulls, sailboats, barges, and semi-displacement hulls. Our electric propulsion system is a versatile and eco-friendly solution that can be adapted to a wide range of applications including pleasurecraft, commercial and defence. Our engineers work with your team to customize to meet your requirements. Contact us to discuss your boat type in more detail.
ACEL Power offers a comprehensive, technologically advanced, and reliable solution for electric outboard motors, backed by certifications and features that ensure superior performance, safety, and peace of mind.
Yes, ACEL Power electric motors are designed with water safety in mind. They are rated IP67 (IP = Ingress Protection), which means that a motor can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without any water breaching the outer case. This level of protection ensures that our electric motors can withstand exposure to various environmental conditions (including dust), making them ideal for marine applications where water and other contaminents are present.
The electric outboard propulsion system consists of several key components that work together to generate and control power. These components typically include:
Yes. While currently, our system allows for programming one engine to one throttle, we are actively working on expanding our offerings to provide you with more options in the future.
The propeller included with your system is designed to work well with your ACEL Power electric motor under normal operating conditions making it a convenient and hassle-free choice for most users.
However, if you have specific preferences or requirements, or if you ever need to replace a propeller, you have the flexibility to choose from a range of options. ACEL Power electric motors are compatible with Yamaha-spec propellers, which provides you with a wide selection to choose from. You can easily swap out the propeller with a Yamaha model that suits your needs or application.
Keep in mind that the choice of propeller can impact the performance and efficiency of your electric motor, so it's a good idea to consult the user manual or reach out to ACEL Power's customer support for guidance if you're unsure about which propeller to select for your particular boating needs.
The display is designed to be versatile and adaptable to various settings. It is both flush mount and stand-alone, providing flexibility in installation options. Importantly, the display is rated IP67, which means it has a high waterproof rating in case you accidentally drop it in the water.
As for the charger, it's a land-based unit that you connect directly to the electrical grid using a standard wall socket. This connection to the grid ensures a stable and reliable source of power for charging.
At ACEL Power, we are constantly exploring innovations to enhance the boating experience for our customers. While our system currently requires a steering wheel for control, we are actively considering the integration of joystick control systems in our future product lineup. Our commitment to providing the best possible boating experience means that we are open to integrating new technologies that can improve your time on the water.
The battery sizes are as follows:
The weight of the battery varies:
The weight aligns with the standard industry practice. Notably, ACEL batteries are five times lighter than regular car batteries.
There are approximately 100+ cells in a battery module.
The battery is stored inside the boat, strategically placed closer to the centre of gravity, and designed based on the boat's specifications.
The placement of the battery impacts weight distribution and planing. Correct battery placement enhances planing performance.
The battery is made of lithium iron phosphate (LFP), a highly stable and safe lithium-ion chemistry. LFP batteries, while slightly heavier than other types, offer superior thermal stability, minimizing the risk of overheating or fire. This makes them a reliable choice for marine applications compared to chemistries like lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC).
The battery's lifespan is approximately 3000 charge cycles. For individuals using the boat for leisure in marine settings, a single charge can provide around 2 hours of boat runtime. Typically, this results in approximately 50 cycles per year.
When using ACEL electric chargers, you'll benefit from their intelligent design, enabling rapid charging within Wall chargers may require approximately 18 hours to achieve a full charge.
The battery becomes unsafe when exposed to temperatures under 15 degrees Celcius (59 degrees Farhenheit) or over 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Farhenheit). ACEL’s batteries include a proprietary in-built heating system to manage temperature extremes.
Connecting the battery is straightforward. Match the red terminal to red (+ve) and the black terminal to black (-ve). Our battery installation process is designed to be user-friendly.
The battery should be stored within the temperature range of 15-55 degrees Celsius. ACEL’s batteries feature a proprietary in-built heating system that activates during charging. This system helps maintain temperatures above 15 degrees, particularly in colder conditions.
To charge in such scenarios, you'll need either a portable charge pack or a portable fuel-fired generator. ACEL Power is working on developing portable power cubes that can be used to charge the battery wherever you are.
The boat may stop, but the software continues running, allowing you to contact SOS if needed. As the battery charge diminishes, the power output gradually decreases. When the charge level reaches 30%, the power output is reduced by a certain percentage; at 20%, it's reduced by another value, and at 10%, yet another value. This stepwise reduction strategy aims to lower the likelihood of depleting the battery completely before safely returning to the marina.
Typically, travel range is quantified in distance, not time. The 50HP (37.25 kWh) battery pack offers a range of about 50 kilometers (31 miles) , while the 75HP (55 kWh) pack allows for approximately 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) at a speed of 5 knots (5.75 MPH or 9.25 KPH). Yes, with Acel motors range anxiety is a myth.
To charge in such scenarios, you'll need either a portable charge pack or a portable fuel-fired generator. ACEL Power is working on developing portable power cubes that can be used to charge the battery wherever you are.
To charge in such scenarios, you'll need either a portable charge pack or a portable fuel-fired generator. ACEL Power is working on developing portable power cubes that can be used to charge the battery wherever you are.