Congratulations to our Solar Boat Design Challenge Winners:
Solar Flair
Tanner Finken | Elijah Gordhamer | Hadith Dameh
Max Mayer | Jessica Mastey | Logan Rutledge | Ryan Rodesch
Key Design Features
The boat’s primary power source is solar energy, which is used to power an outboard motor located at the stern of the boat. It is outfitted with a battery bank to store excess energy from the solar panels which are embedded on the sail itself and on the bow of the boat. An additional source of power is wind energy harnessed by the boat’s sails.
The Design’s Attention to the Environment
A unique aspect of the boat is that it uses two separate forms of renewable energy. The first of these is solar power, utilized by the panels on the boat and the solar cells in the sail. The second energy source is wind power, also used by the boat’s sail. Using two renewable energy sources allows the boat to be more efficient.
Our boat also is made of wood and treated with epoxy (which helps the wood last longer). Using wood as the boat’s material makes it recyclable, and thus better for the environment.
Solar Flair
Boat’s Performance Expectations
Based on the boat’s size and power usage, we expect that on a full charge the boat will likely reach a maximum speed of X mph. The solar and wind power the boat will be using its sail and outboard motor to create momentum. When the boat is out of power, the wind will keep it going. The boat’s battery bank is recharged via the solar panels on the boat and the sail.
The boat has an estimated weight capacity of 1200 lbs. The recommended passenger capacity is 4, but the boat can seat up to six people.
Brainstorming Process
Our inspiration was to make an environmentally sustainable boat which could be used for both practical and recreational purposes. Pollution has become more of an issue, which continues to grow each year, and yet it has become normalized. Society has been sacrificing the environment for their convenience and pleasure. Recent technological advances have made it possible to enjoy life aboard a boat without generating pollution. We wanted to make a boat that could utilize the recent technological advantages. We also wanted to creatively incorporate different forms of energy on the boat. We figured that using both solar and wind would make for a more interesting and challenging boat to make.
Thank you to our participants for your submissions!
Le Proactif - Earl Wilson
An environmentally conscious ship to balance out the pirate's social irresponsibility. Sails are used traditionally to move the ship with wind power. They are also lined with thin-film solar cells to generate electricity for the trolling motor. Fixed on the rear of the ship are photo-voltaic solar modules as well that make the whole vessel act as a bi-facial energy generation system.
Regardless of the time of day optimal exposure to sunlight is integrated into the design. Our anchor is also fixed to a turbine that will generate energy when dropped and raised in case of low light conditions. All energy will be stored using modular lithium ion battery systems installed within the mast of the vessel. Crew members are also experimenting with vertical displacement energy generation systems. For example when they have their more fortunate captives walk the modified plank that will in turn generate more power for their nefarious activities.
Le Proactif
Gypsy Rover
Gypsy Rover – Chris Burda
My solar boat is a 24-hour delivery service for people living on the remote shores of Lake Wobegan. It uses primarily solar power, but is able to source energy from wind and hydro. Battery storage allows us to travel nights and on cloudy days. It's a modified pontoon hull for speed and quiet transport at all hours.
Speedy – Joe Mcdonnell
Speedy
Art credit to Joe Mcdonnell