Words // Rodrigo Designboom
In 2012, ‘Planetsolar‘, the fully solar-powered catamaran designed by New Zealander Craig Loomes, took a trip around the world energized exclusively by rays from the sun. This summer, the ship will continue its itinerary by taking part in a campaign to clean up European waters, a project initiated by the Waste Free Oceans Foundation that aims to significantly reduce the floating litter in European waters by 2020. Starting in May, the boat became a scientific platform as part of the ‘Planetsolar Deepwater Expedition. The project, led by professor and climatologist Martin Beniston from the University of Geneva will retrieve new data and measurements along the gulf stream. The journey will conclude in Reykjavik, repeating a transatlantic crossing in an attempt to break the ‘MS Tûranor Planetsolar’s’ own 26-day speed record.
engineers have effectively optimized the energy collection system and also the aerodynamics
image © anthony collins
Removable parts allow the vessel to supply a total of 516 m2 flat photovoltaics positioned directly at the sun– sending power to 6 blocks of lithium-ion batteries. In addition, engineers have effectively optimized the energy collection system and also the aerodynamics, with the propulsion and light carbon framework providing a durable structure that will endure the long transatlantic route. Equipped with an trawling filtering net/scoop, the boat also can collect up to 8 tons of marine pollution as it sails across the ocean. Achieving average speeds of 5 knots ( 9.25 km/h), the 6 meter wide craft generates 127 horsepower (93.5 kW) from the plethora of installed solar panels– providing a maximum of 120kW.
removable parts allow the vessel to supply a total of 516 m2 of flat photovoltaics positioned directly at the sun
image © anthony collins
the MS turanor planetsolar cruising past the statue of liberty in new york
image © anthony collins
the 6 meter wide craft generates 127 horsepower (93.5 kW) from its plethora of installed solar panels
image courtesy planetsolar
the ship achieves average speeds of 5 knots ( 9.25 km/h) and provides a maximum power output of 120kW
image courtesy planetsolar
equipped with an trawling filtering net/scoop, the boat collects up to 8 tons of marine pollution as it sails across the ocean
image courtesy planetsolar
solar deck
image courtesy planet solar
front view
image courtesy planet solar
right view
image courtesy planet solar
rear view
image courtesy planet solar
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image courtesy planet solar
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image courtesy planet solar
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lower deck
image courtesy planet solar
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