Future Hybrid Catamaran Cruiser

[brian eiland]

Originally Posted by Becaris

So... what have you heard is coming and how could it best be used in a sailing cat some years down the line?

Can't remember where i saw it or the details, but it was most recent. It talked of fabric material developments that were able to collect solar energy.

[brian eiland]

Have a look over HERE

..and here:
http://www.wetterwille.nl/html/en/el...d-sailing.html

[Becaris]

New 315 watt solar panels bring us one step closer to using solar in place of diesel for when you can't sail.

http://www.ecogeek.org/solar-power/294

Sorry, this was an old link, I posted the new one below.

[Becaris]

Actually, I put in the older link, here is the newer one...

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/561008

[kerosene]

that news was from 2006
"new, high efficiency panel that is 22 percent efficient. The company expects to have these new panels commercially available in 2007. "

panels are are still heavy

[masalai]

Production versions seem no more efficient than all the other makes using monocrystalline cells that are in the market now???? - http://www.energymatters.com.au/sunp...ule-p-931.html in Australia...

[Becaris]

I'm not really here to argue about things, just posting what I read about a new 315 watt panel that is 19.3% efficient and works at better angles to the sun. If you don't think that better efficiency is good, then you don't and I'm not here to change your mind. However, in comparing the next best panels available I was able to place an 11+ kwh array using fewer panels (and less square footage), thereby reducing the overall weight of the array.

However, even though the array is lighter with these new panels, it is still heavy. Right now that 11+ kwh array would weigh about 2280 lbs., which I still consider too heavy. Still, this is a step in the right direction, which is why I posted the link (the second link, I mistakenly posted an older link first).

[masalai]

Becaris,
That is, as far as I can tell, the same solar panel???? and thanks for the link and info... I have found that the hype "pre-release" is often what one would call 'ambitious'... - then, in production, reality is found Please keep searching as it is only through diligent searching that one can find a better product for a purpose...

[Becaris]

When it comes down to it, this is all about weight. I have to compare the weight of two diesel engines and the full diesel tanks against the weight of the solar panels, batteries, generator and two electric motors. When the weight of these two systems becomes comparable (through advancements in solar panels and battery storage) then the solar/electric/battery system becomes viable.

I'll let 'cost' be the worry of another day, as I believe all technology drops in price over time. If I was starting my planned yacht build today, I would go with two diesel engines most likely, but I don't believe that this will necessarily be true in a few years. Since I don't plan to start my build for a year or two, and even then it will take several years to complete (giving me some time to make a final decision) there is room for new technology to develop. So many companies are currently competing in the solar panel and battery industries that I have little doubt one of them will cash in and give us what we need.

My dream (and that of some of you as well) is certainly to have a cruising sailing catamaran that does not need to pull up to the pump station... ever. Though still a dream, it is inching closer to a reality. I'd appreciate it if anyone who spots promising looking solar or battery technology posted links here in this thread for everyone to peruse. All new technology in these areas is of interest, even if it isn't quite there yet at the consumer level. Maybe it will be in the next few years.

On another note, I would personally be interested in someone with the knowledge to compare the current weight of the diesel system vs. the solar/electric motor/gen. system, just to see how far we have to go to get to a comparable weight. Assume an 11kwh solar array and a 20 meter catamaran and the propulsion systems that would be necessary to power such a craft.

As for electric motors, what size electric motors do you think we would need to adequately power a 20m sailing cat? To help a little I listed the weight of the 11 kwh array of panels in a post above, assuming the weight of those 315 watt panels I read about (unless you have seen a more efficient lighter panel?). What kind of battery storage (quantity, weight) would be sufficient to power a yacht of this size for, say, three hours at an efficient speed? Yes, a lot of suppositions here, but you have to start somewhere. Best guesses are welcome.

[brian eiland]

World's first totally green superyacht

http://www.sail-world.com/cruising/i...d=58292&rid=11

[apex1]

Some mighty statements..............like:

the company signed a deal with China's biggest shipping line, Cosco, to retrofit ships with solar energyed sails the size of the wings of a jumbo jet. The sails are covered with photovoltaic panels that can meet some of the ship's energy needs and harness the wind to reduce fuel costs by up to 40%.

Lets see whats left in a year.

[masalai]

Becaris, 20m is far too big for personal transport/cruising as not too many ports and or rivers/creeks in which to shelter, in a storm. 30ft is an absolute minimum for solo cruising and engineering would allow a 20ft beam there BUT weight is the killer....
If you want to carry lots of stuff stick to a big mono and bricks/concrete for ballast and wood hull for repairability... Sort of like a "clipper-ship" hull and modern rig, such that you alone can manage/handle it...

For a cat, and you and partner - around 40 ft is nice - some countries charge extra to enter if you are above 12m/40ft to enter as that is perceived as having commercial potential... Also marina berths cost more (some charging for 2 berths) and some have a clearance of about 25 ft (Darwin, NT) so when you need to get re-provisioned, or, repaint anti-foul, or, enter shallow waterways, you may have difficulties...

Mine is just under 12m (39.3ft) loa, about 21 ft wide and draw 400mm, so I can sneak in to most places for convenience and safety quite easily ...

I am building with 2 aft double berths (one will probable be storage) and the forward berth area will have the genset, HWS, RO watermaker, fuel and water storage... Home comforts are limited but not really lacking in often used (needed) items...

Read through my thread to see what my research found - build time is about 12 months full time + some help...