Boat goes around the world with solar energy
With no commercial pretensions, the vessel aims to show everyone the power of solar energy
When it comes to energy sources or alternative fuel, every idea is welcome. What about a boat that moves only with solar energy? Apparently it would be great, after all, the technology minimizes carbon emissions and other pollutants. We already know that this technology exists (see here), but only small vessels use the system. This until recently.
The Turanor PlanetSolar is the largest solar powered boat. It weighs about 100 tons, is equipped with a kitchen, six cabins and nine beds, with a capacity for a crew of up to 60 people. Its electric motor has a power of 120 kW. For comparison, a washing machine uses about 1 kW to 2 kW.
But he's not just a luxury prototype. Gerard D'Aboville, the vessel's captain, has traveled nearly 60,000 km without a gallon of gasoline. It is the first solar-powered boat to travel more than the distance around the world.
However, according to the captain, this is a slow boat. Its average speed is 5.5 knots, that is, it travels around 1.6 km in 9.5 minutes. Also, it depends on the sun's rays to function, even though it can move for 72 hours without it. "We can get around without the sun for 72 hours. It depends on what speed, if we go fast we don't have 72 hours," says D'Aboville.
Because of this, the relationship between its speed and value (millions of dollars), Turanor PlanetSolar is not so practical. However, the vessel should be considered an ambassador for solar energy, demonstrating to everyone the power of the sun. After all, a boat of this size and weight traveling the equivalent around the world without emitting carbon through fuel is an achievement.
Curious to see the boat in operation? Like the video below:
And have you thought about investing in solar energy? Did you know that only in Brazil solar energy is much more viable than conventional energy? Read more here.
