Boats of the Future???? - Page 2

disfigured · 05-30-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowey

Too bad....
Thought that nano-tech might provide an answer, a synthetic fiber woven into the sails that would absorb the light, convert it to current and channel it to the batteries.

I think there's existing technology to make a go at something that's a reasonable facsimile of your idea.

How much power does a radio need to get an S.O.S out? With wet batteries on a swamped boat, raising a photo cell flag even would be a great thing to have stowed.

No more public talk of the "solar flag", as I've just chosen a working name for the product.

GurnBlanston · 05-30-2008, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowey

Not replace wind but to reinforce it.....
Sails represent a lot of surface area.

The wind would provide the motive power.
The solar could charge batteries for interior use and possibly short periods of motive power in the harbor.

To try to capture electric on a sail boat using wind turbines as it was sailing would be counter productive.

Well, they developed and it's ready for consumer production, a method in which photovoltaic material comes off a press like paper or fabric. It's strong but I think it would still need to be reinforced. However, a craft the size of a sailboat not being powered by the sun primarily wouldn't need that large of a surface area. Besides, the build up of salt on the surface of the panels would probably cause a lot of problems real quick.

BTW: they do have a turbine now that spins with any little bit of wind from any direction without too much drag. It's made for high rises and are designed to harness the crazy wind currents in a Metro area like NY or Boston.

GurnBlanston · 05-30-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

Even sail boats have electrical lights and appliances. Also, there's the motor in case of emergencies. Having that run on electricity instead of petrolium would be nice.

I know that but the batteries required to power that motor might be too heavy and render the sail pointless.
There is however, a hybrid container ship in service now.

The_Heretic · 05-30-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowey

Too bad....
Thought that nano-tech might provide an answer, a synthetic fiber woven into the sails that would absorb the light, convert it to current and channel it to the batteries.

True, but while the sail's original fibers would withstand the wind it's hard to design a photovoltaic cell fiber can take the punishment of torrential maritime winds.

GurnBlanston · 05-31-2008, 12:16 AM

If you wanted to make an electro-motive boat, chuck the idea of using a sail boat (Maybe have an emergency mast and rig stowed). I would make the boat float no matter the orientation of the bow however, I would also make it right itself and make the entire deck (not meant for people to stand on) out of photovoltaic panels.
I would also think about using the pulse style mode of propulsion used on the new hydrogen submarine (I think by Germany). Completely silent and no physical moving parts.

The_Heretic · 05-31-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GurnBlanston

If you wanted to make an electro-motive boat, chuck the idea of using a sail boat (Maybe have an emergency mast and rig stowed). I would make the boat float no matter the orientation of the bow however, I would also make it right itself and make the entire deck (not meant for people to stand on) out of photovoltaic panels.
I would also think about using the pulse style mode of propulsion used on the new hydrogen submarine (I think by Germany). Completely silent and no physical moving parts.

I think we're also trying to include sailing hobbyists in this idea. Some people just like operating sail.

GurnBlanston · 05-31-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

I think we're also trying to include sailing hobbyists in this idea. Some people just like operating sail.

Then a solar panel is pointless. Using one panel on the bow is all you need. Besides, the sails are never at the proper angel to the Sun to get optimal charging.

The_Heretic · 05-31-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GurnBlanston

Then a solar panel is pointless. Using one panel on the bow is all you need. Besides, the sails are never at the proper angel to the Sun to get optimal charging.

True to an extent, since even indirect light would produce some power. Also, future photovoltaic cells will make use of a broader range of Em than modern ones [which currently only pick up a narrow band of infrared].

GurnBlanston · 06-01-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Heretic

True to an extent, since even indirect light would produce some power. Also, future photovoltaic cells will make use of a broader range of Em than modern ones [which currently only pick up a narrow band of infrared].

Here's the company that makes "printed" solar sheets. I believe it receives a wider Em band.

NanoSolar

This Page shows their 7 different innovations like nanoparticle ink.
This is esactly what you would be looking for if you wanted to put the cells in the sails. You could call it the "Cell Boat"

The_Heretic · 06-01-2008, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GurnBlanston

Here's the company that makes "printed" solar sheets. I believe it receives a wider Em band.

NanoSolar

This Page shows their 7 different innovations like nanoparticle ink.
This is esactly what you would be looking for if you wanted to put the cells in the sails. You could call it the "Cell Boat"

Baaad!

05-31-2008, 12:16 AM	#15 (permalink)
GurnBlanston Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 598 My Mood: Thanks: 33 Thanked 31 Times in 21 Posts	If you wanted to make an electro-motive boat, chuck the idea of using a sail boat (Maybe have an emergency mast and rig stowed). I would make the boat float no matter the orientation of the bow however, I would also make it right itself and make the entire deck (not meant for people to stand on) out of photovoltaic panels. I would also think about using the pulse style mode of propulsion used on the new hydrogen submarine (I think by Germany). Completely silent and no physical moving parts.
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