Zero power sailing - amazing new technolgy, taking six year voyage
This French catamaran sailing vessel takes solar power to a whole new level. I have a soft spot for solar powered anything, but this ship combines HYDROGEN based energy storage, with solar and wind power, plus a little spinnaker sail.
Named "Energy Observer", they have somehow managed to disguise the "ugly" side of solar panels everywhere, in their design. The vertical axis wind turbines look small, but obviously have a place when there is no sun. Instead of heavy batteries it actually converts the salt water into Hydrogen, which it then uses at night or when it needs to - very cool idea.
Will be interesting to see how it fares in big waves.
You can follow their six year voyage around the world, in their web site, which is the source of the image:
http://www.energy-observer.org/en/#bateau
What is keeping coastal areas from having already experimented with these ideas?
I have seen a few solar powered vessels, but I think the challenge has always been the heavy battery storage for when there is no sun. This one using Hydrogen is unique and experimental.
Yes the hydrogen cell is unique. And you are right the problem with solar powered vessels is the weight/cost/size of batteries, so it will be interesting to see advancements with hydrogen!
Please write me Your afdress @robvann
Time to see advancements in laser sailing coaching to handle these boats.
Laser Sailing Coaching