The Volitan: The Solar/Wind Powered Concept Sail-Vessel
by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 10.17.07
Might the Volitan presage a new generation of lightweight, fully sustainable boats? It certainly sounds good on paper: the futuristic vessel would use solid sails - equipped with double layer solar cell panels - to harness both wind and solar energy and would have an incredibly light, stiff body structure, courtesy of its carbon fiber and epoxy resin composite-made shell and carbon-foam core lamination. Its body would also have an epoxy primer coat and ultraviolet resistant coating.
Connected to the twin 220 HP/DC electric motors would be two suspended wings to help maneuver the ship. In addition, a hydraulic/servo system located in the wings would activate the sleek Volitan's unique performance sail system. Its final dimensions would lie around 105’3“ in (length), 24’8” in (height), 92’7” in (width at the solar wings) and 24’9” in (width at low body).
The Turkish design firm Designnobis explained its rationale for creating the concept ship as follows:
"The objective was to create a new and alternative sailing vessel that would achieve a lightweight system, high sail performance, and all-weather navigation capacity with near zero emissions. Additionally, a requirement was to use technologically innovative materials and new construction techniques to minimize weight and hydrodynamic resistance whilst maximizing performance and durability. These technical requirements were to be incorporated into a new form that allowed freedom of all dynamic parts whilst providing visual appeal and overall quality into a non-stop circumnavigating."
Here's hoping this concept comes to fruition.
Via ::Designnobis (company website), ::NOTCOT.ORG (blog)
See also: ::Upscale Boating Goes (a Bit More) Green, ::Don't Worry, Sonny and Rico, Your Boat Can Run on Orange Peels, ::Hydrogen Hybrid Canal Boat Makes for Smooth Sailing
"The objective was to create a new and alternative sailing vessel that would achieve a lightweight system, high sail performance, and all-weather navigation capacity with near zero emissions."
yes, it's called a sail boat!
Right on cas. sailboats have been accomplishing the same task in a sustainable way for thousands of years. Some times we need to take a step back and simplify. I am sure all the complex systems in this boat are prone to failure, expensive to replace, and very alien to the average sailor. not to mention all the resources lost creating such 'high-tech' materials. keep it simple.
This is awesome. For those that have not been to sea there are times when there is little to no wind. During these times sailors must rely on internal combustion engines to power their vessels. This design would eliminate that.
Please note that this is, or could be, a sail boat. Just as an aircraft's wings generate lift as they pass through the air the two solar collecting wings can also propel the boat as wind passes buy them.
This project is one of the best nautical / boat project of International Design Award 2007 and 1. winner of over all transportation group in same competition .See all other projects;
www.idesignawards.com www.idesignawards.com /winner/07
Now this is one very exciting concept! And as yazheirx points out, sails alone aren't a solution. Wind is not a consistent enough source of power and naval design has evolved in search of answers. This concept addresses the problem of depending on wind while providing a cleaner solution than combustion engines can provide.
That said, I would imagine that there are limitations to the concept if scaled down too far due to the inefficiencies of photovoltaic cells and the need for sufficient surface area. Regardless, its a fascinating idea.
X-wing, anyone?
X-wing it is and an incredible designed boat too.
a company in sweden develops a fast boat with really low emissions the "stormbird" http://www.stormfagel.se/ ..only in swedish. It can do 50knots and makes only 10 inch waves because only 1/3 of the propeller and a small wing in front touches water. cool! :)
I've studied this concept for a few years now. I agree with the first two posts. The modern sailing catamaran has several thousand years of development behind it. There are several companies making electric drive/generator systems. One is rather similar to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. A catamaran has a lower resistance (less power to drive it faster), higher comfort level, lots of deck space for solar cells, and mast space for small wind generators. But you do need storage, and batteries aren't there yet. A breakthrough in H2 electrolysis (microwave based) will do it.
So except for the more efficient H2 technology (which is not a barrier, just an upgrade when available), this boat can be built today, with available, proven technology.
The Volitan is interesting in a Mousetrap (the game) or Rube Goldberg sort of way.
Volitan project is in my favourable ones in last ten more years. She have some brillant and resonable ideas that the sail world will push to discuss in the near future. There were also very detailed project report , placed in the IDA web site in " about the designer" section. I also meet with some creative sketches at www.designnobis.com. It's quit well done :)
How about incorporating the energy of bobbing up and down in the waves? This would be a deal closer. Probably more powerful than the solar aspect. Lets encourage all inventors, not discourage.
How about incorporating the energy of bobbing up and down in the waves? This would be a deal closer. Probably more powerful than the solar aspect. Lets encourage all inventors, not discourage.