Transport

Aluminium Yacht With Eternal Engine

Not only do cars switch to electric motors and become smarter. In the near future boats and yachts, also using more innovative and safe sources of energy, may appear.
16 October, 2018
New technologies will penetrate into all aspects of shipbuilding and will allow creating such cutting age products as SolarImpact.
SolarImpact — the first boat ever able to function entirely solar-powered. It does not require any liquid fuel and therefore does not produce harmful carbon dioxide. The hull of the vessel is made of one the most environmentally friendly material –aluminium, which contributes to the overall perception of the yacht as of the greenest types of transport in the world. All systems onboard are powered by batteries, including the electric motor capable of speeding up to 20 knots, about 37km/h. At a speed of not more than 5 knots the boat can drift almost forever, at least until the passengers and crew not run out of supplies.

„SolarImpact is synonymous with state-of-the-art in shipbuilding when it comes to fluid mechanics, highly efficient energy technologies, and sustainability. Our yacht concept avoids noise and CO2 emissions and is therefore an important step towards electric mobility in the maritime sector." comments Werner Vögeli, CEO of SolarImpact Yacht AG.
Literally all the horizontal outer surfaces of the yacht are covered with solar panels that fit perfectly into the overall futuristic design. Their total surface area is about 300 square meters. Under bright sun conditions, up to 320 kWh of energy can be produced during the daylight hours. It is well distributed in life support systems and accumulates in powerful batteries that allow the ship to move even after sunset. Declared the ability to move in the dark at cruising speed up to 10 hours. Such results are also achievable thanks to the lightweight material of the yacht's structure.

This innovative vessel glides on the water almost silently and without rocking. In many ways, this stability was achieved due to the design of the housing type SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull). This achieves a physical shaft decoupling that reduces the rolling and heeling of the yacht by up to 90 percent. The hull lies calmly in the water even in strong swells, putting an end to the annoying swaying motion of the boat.
SolarImpact has recognized that the principle offers yet another invaluable advantage: it significantly reduces energy consumption. All systems on board can use the sun as their primary energy source. The yacht's solar drive is not only environmentally friendly, but also extremely quiet.

All yacht systems are automated and can be controlled by artificial intelligence. The yacht is designed for 8-10 passengers, for which there are 4 separate cabins. There is also a so-called master cabin and a separate room for the crew. In addition, the vessel will offer large and spacious recreation areas with luxurious interior. The creators of SolarImpact are confident that everyone who prioritizes the importance of comfort on long journeys will appreciate the interior decoration.

Images: The Manual
The vessel is 70 tons with a length of 23.95 meters. Beam-9.9 meters. The main body material is lightweight and durable aluminum. For running features meet two engines with a capacity of 500 kW. The screws can work both in forward and reverse direction, which allows for accurate mooring and precise maneuvering.

SolarImpact yet exists as a thought-out concept. Perhaps the first living prototypes will surf the water surface in the next few years. The project is a young and ambitious company of engineers, designers and mechanics, who are familiar with shipbuilding. The company itself has its head office in Zurich and production facilities in Dresden.
Banner image: New York Post