TECHNOLOGY I APPLICATION
THE MS TURANOR PLANETSOLAR, the world’s largest solar boat made London its final port of call following the PlanetSolar DeepWater scientific research expedition along the Gulf Stream. This is the first time the impressive catamaran has visited the UK. The vessel was at Canary Wharf and demonstrated its objectives as a scientific research vessel and the applications of solar technology.
The PlanetSolar is currently an ambassador for science and education, having been a scientific research platform for the University of Geneva (UNIGE) for the past four months and an educational platform for schools at each of the stops along its route, sharing knowledge and raising awareness of climate issues. The 2013 expedition has also further promoted the use of solar technology, PlanetSolar having previously completed a round-the-world tour in 2012 that demonstrated the potential of solar energy and the maturity of the embedded technologies.
Technology leading
The PlanetSolar began its 2013 campaign by repeating its Atlantic crossing in 22 days, beating its previous Guinness World record of 26 days. From June, the boat then became a research platform as part of the PlanetSolar DeepWater scientific expedition. Launched in Florida, the PlanetSolar DeepWater exhibition sought to collect a continuous series of physical and biological measurements along the Gulf Stream, both from the water and the atmosphere, using advanced instruments and the expertise of UNIGE scientists. The boat stopped in Miami, New York, Boston, Halifax and St. John’s (NL).
Scientific breakthroughs
Led by Professor Martin Beniston, climatologist and director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences at UNIGE, the research team studied the key parameters of climate regulation, namely aerosols and phytoplankton, in order to improve the understanding of complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, as well as the role these interactions play in climate change.
“The PlanetSolar DeepWater expedition has allowed intensive testing in real-world conditions of a number of ocean and atmospheric instruments, some of which are prototypes developed at the University of Geneva,” Professor Beniston commented. “Following the DeepWater expedition, there is now a wealth of physical, chemical, and biological data housed at the University of Geneva, and which is beginning to undergo exhaustive scientific scrutiny. Although the data has not been analysed yet, we have noticed some very interesting trends, especially with regards to the production of aerosols by sea sprays.”
The objectives of the current expedition are to exploit the clean, green features of the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar and to further showcase its practical applications and the potential of such a vessel.
The largest solar boat ever built, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar is up to 35m long and 23m wide, depending on whether the solar panels are closed (when it is docked or experiencing very rough conditions at sea) or open (whilst at sea).
The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar was designed by Craig Loomes from New Zealand. Months of research went into creating the optimum dimensions and design of the double-hulled vessel and engineers optimised the energy collection and storage as well as the boat’s aerodynamics, propulsion systems and choice of building materials. The incredibly light carbon structure of this futuristic vessel, combined with electric motorization, makes it extremely durable. Able to travel at an average speed of 5 knots, the boat sets a clear benchmark for the importance of solar power and proves the practical application of green technology. The boat uses 512m2
of photovoltaic panels to power six blocks
of lithium-ion batteries and is light, durable and completely silent. It demonstrates the possibilities of solar power for sea travel, with massive implications for sustainable tourism and transport. With zero fuel requirements and zero carbon emissions, the boat can take to the open seas for months at a time, so long as the sun continues to rise.
Its 512m2 of photovoltaic panels power six blocks of lithium-
ion battery, a technology that offers maximal power and energy density and resulting in a navigation time that is as yet unmatched. Baptised MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, which means ‘power of the sun’ in J.R.R Tolkien mythology, this clean, quiet vessel was launched in March 2010 in Kiel, Germany, in the shipyards of Knierim Yachtbau after 14 months of construction. “The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar has positive benefits for scientific study and exploration, allowing for pollution-free research to be carried out in the vicinity of the boat,” Professor Beniston added.
©2013 Permission required. Angel Business Communications Ltd.
Issue III 2013 I
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