DSE solar diesel hybrid

http://www.dsehybrid.com/

I think this concept has a future.
Solar panels will eventually approach efficiencies of 60% and perhaps be bendable to conform to the curviness of a hull.

So far this is the only workable hybrid I think that is reasonable for smaller boat. You can go at 5 or 6 knots all day long when the sun is shining.

 

http://www.transatlantic21.org/

The Sun 21 crossed the Atlantic on solar and battery power.

why not more interest in pursuing electric boats in these ways. Instead of the debate over diesel generators and electric motors, add in solar power.

 

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...lifornia---proterra-big-winner-107021728.html

finally the fast charge electric buss is here.
These buses charge in less than 10 minutes.
This is a pure electric battery bus, their is no internal combustion motor.

Someday perhaps many cars or even boats will have something similar.

 

Someday, yes perhaps.

Use the search function here on the "Hybrid" topic, and you will see, it is a very long way to go before your dream comes true.

Even the most sophisticated solar power boat, the "Turanor" failed, as we can see. And 60% efficiency is not even in sight, when we look at the very most promising researches, let alone in the near future.

Regards
Richard

 

http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/43000
http://www.physorg.com/news196257403.html
http://www.physorg.com/news119107136.html

60% is the target goal and if achieved will reduce solar cell costs by half.
the sun drives the winds and waves, the moon the tides. A lot of solar power out there if we can get it together.
It is a natural fit the boat and solar power. The boat sees mostly unrestricted sunlight all day long.

the energy vision of the Navy is biofuels
Think algae oil production which DARPA recently announced has developed a mass production break threw. Even the jets, fighters, will be using bio fuels.
http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/files/2010/10/Navy-Energy-Vision-Oct-2010.pdf

Algae oil at under $2 per gallon is the goal
http://www.google.com/search?client... oil production which DARPA&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

 

All nice mate,


all tomorrow. If...

 

Citing from that site (the caption at the left of the photo of happy cameramen):

"Discovery Channel’s HD Theater recently featured the DSe on episode #9 of “World’s Most Expensive Rides.” Check your cable guide for reruns."​

Now, that really doesn't sound like a good hype to me...

 

the price of the boat is I think $500,000
BUT, I have noticed the price of large boats is expensive regardless.

What I hope is the push into biofuels may lesson the demand for petroleum, increasing the supply and then lead to a drop in prices for oil.

Just the way it is with the science and business. I certainly hope it works.

 

Sorry to disappoint you, but it isn't even possible to reach 60% efficiency in internal combustion engines.
The sun's radiation is a total of 1000 watts per sq. meter, partly visible light, but lots of infrared and UV. Solar cells can convert only the visible part and some near-IR and do that quite efficiently (approx 18%). But mechanical necessities like a frame, glass and interconnection straps reduce the output to 10-14%. Improvements will come, but only marginal ones.