Boat of the Future
Image
Volitan is a new concept sail-vessel that consumes no fuel, instead uses alternative energies. Her name comes from flying fish and she is a new symbol of raising awareness about sustainable use of resources on the sea. Check out the story about this boat: http://yachtpals.com/boating/boats-future
Comments: 3
Delicious
Digg
StumbleUpon
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
Boating and Sailing Magazine Feed
er... kinda looks like an
er... kinda looks like an x-wing fighter.
Geek Alert! - Star Wars reference
I agree. Even more so in the video: http://yachtpals.com/video/volitan
Wont work unfortunately ... but looks great
Dual-sided solar panels - the underside is useless for power generation and adds a lot to the cost.
If the boat is 12-16 m in length, the solar cell area is about 4 sq. m per wing. If The wings are symmetrically deployed, like in the picture, only one generates power - max output today (worlds best, MAX power) is 200 w out of 1 sq m * angle to sun, at best 80%, this gives about 640 watts usable power. Wont run any kind of 16 m boat. Smaller boat less power ... ;( If you orient both wings at perfect angle to sun, giving 8 sq m and perfect 90 degree angle, you get 1600 watts - still wont run the boat.
AND you get cantilever effect of very long arm torquing at big sail (8 sq m), making it tilt and twist against the wind. It rocks, slams or breaks depending on wind strength and direction. It sure looks cool, however. ps- Solar can be used VERY effectively - bu it needs to be on a flat surface, like a rooftop, bimini top, etc. and it needs to be BIG. Think 20-30 sq m or more. Costs about 40k $ though ... which may or may not be a lot.
(I have studied naval architecture for 4 years now).
Post new comment