Solar Panel Boat - Essay Example

Solar Boat Solar Panel Boat The solar energy harnessed from the sun tapped in the boat for recharging the batteries used for starting the Environaut. From the batteries, the energy channeled to 12v Direct Current (DC) appliances such as fans, pump, the boat’s electric motor and the lighting system. With an invert in place, it transform the 12vDC coming out of the batteries into 12v Alternative Current (AC) that powering electronic devices in the boat such as refrigerator, incubators, water baths, freezer, solar water heater, heating the air in the boat, radio system and the underwater camera (Morris, 2006). Sunlight Requirements There is no standardized amount of sunlight required, but the solar panels ought to be located directly under the sunlight for maximum absorption of sun rays. The amount of sunlight required, and the amount of sunlight produced are two different things. The amount of sunlight produced caused by the magnitude of nuclear fusion reaction occurring in the sun at any time. Hence a bigger reaction increases the amount of light energy produced (Boxwell, 2011). Moreover, the amount of sunlight received relies on the distance light has to travel. Factors such as weather conditions; clouds may block sunlight thereby reducing the amount of sunlight received. Most Commonly Used Cells The energy produced by converting sunlight directly into electricity through photovoltaic effect (Boxwell 2011). The most commonly used battery include; The Golf Cart Batteries that well suited for privately small boat owners, they have an excellent cycle rating, excellent current rate characteristics and are inexpensive. Moreover, they produce more hydrogen gas than the sealed types of batteries. Secondly, the Absorbed glass mart (AGM) batteries also recommended since they contain boron silicate that hold battery electrolyte. The AGM batteries last longer and can be used inside the boat since they have a slower discharge; they offer a safer transport, no risks of freezing and can continue working even when submerged without producing chlorine gas. The Gel and flooded batteries do not have vents making them safe to use in solar boats. The Environaut should have two sets of AGM batteries, for maximum performance in terms of electrical appliances, emergency such as battery failure and safety precautionary. Materials The power train of the solar boat consists of solar panels integrated with photovoltaic and silicon cells. Moreover, it has an in board electric motor located on the rear of the craft. This positioning increases the boat’s maneuverability (Quaschning, 2010). The decks body constructed using natural composite fibers rather than glass fibers. Interestingly, the same natural fibers are also components of the deck itself rather than using wood such as teak and mahogany. The hull of the boat, formed by concrete reinforced using natural fibers (Palz, 2010). Also in the list include; traction battery insulated with connectors, bearings, pulley wheels and belts matched to propeller’s specifications. Converter, for powering low voltage boat equipment such as the horn and head lights. crystalline solar panels and solar charge regulator for preventing the batteries, from overcharging. Cost of Materials ITEM SIZE COST ( $) STRENGHTS Electric motor 32mm 20.20 Produces 9,000 Rpm Connectors MC 4 connectors 1.99 Reinforced with water proof rubber seal Power cables( Inter-module, output, inverter, controller) 2-strands from 36’’ to 100’’ lengths 1.45 Insulated with fiber to increase the flow of current. Volt/ Amp meter 12-24V 12.99 Monitors the charge status of the battery. Traction battery 48V(100mm*120mm*300mm) 78.20 Insulated with connectors and 2 volt cells for maximum output. Bearings flanged 11.25 Flanged to ensure maximum efficiency while operating. Inverter 6kW( 45Amp) 90.99 Produces 96% efficient Battery 170*90*50mm 49.99 Full automatic transition of CC, CV and float. Protects, over current, short circuit and reverse polarity. Panels 1012mm*506mm*4.1sq. meters 100.25 Offers a solar cruising range of 500miles at 3.2 mph Solar charger regulator 12 Volts, 30 Amp 25 Can be used with up to 2.4kW of panel at any voltage Total 392.31 Source: (Solar Boat Company Limited, Web. 20 April 2012) Performance Abilities The majority of solar boats contain diesel engine that have the performance of speeds approximately 5-6 knots (10-12 kilometer per hour). The Environaut has a speed of about 8 knots (16km/h). The durability and maintenance guaranteed since solar panels do not wear out for at list 20 years. diesel powered engines have the capacity to operate at their optimum speed limits such as the Environaut, unlike fully solar powered boats that are completely dependent to the sunlight rays.. Maximum efficiency well achieved since pre heating does not occur. This is done by subsequent maintenance services (Fridell, 2008). The engines of solar boats advanced designed to be the best bargain in relation to power and energy to allow for the vessel’s maneuverability in a different position of navigation. Combustion engines offer boats with the thrust and momentum to navigate waters irrespective of the weather conditions (Morris, 2006). Durability and maintenance Since most solar boats are constructed in fiber glass and natural composite the average life based on a realistic usage is between 20-30 years. The engine parts especially the diesel engine needs to be lubricated and sufficiently yearly check up is paramount. Batteries life range about 800 cycles, this approximately translates into a change of average of 5years. Finally the solar panels do not easily wear out and have a guarantee of at least 20years (Boxwell 2011). Example of Boat Solar Panels: “The dragons fly” The dragons fly is a solar boat that is integrated with a diesel engine for maximum performance. The captain of the vessel is Bill Carlson, a professor of environmental studies at the Penn state University. It is similar to the Environaut because they both have diesel powered engines and use solar panel for starting the engines and lighting essential devices and components. It is configured to include eat in gallery (kitchen), two head toilets, canvas enclosed port salon, a shower and a stern deck with canopy. Built in the 1990, through by the Mid Lakes Navigation, an American company that specializes in construction of solar boats. The boat was constructed by the support from Penn State’s research and education project, Dan Haworth, professor in mechanical engineering and funded by the National Science foundation. The cost of construction was 100,000 Euros (slowboatcruise.com, 2011). Materials Used ITEM SIZE Basic vessel 41; lockmaster steel hull Propulsion diesel 60 horse power Fuse and fuse holder 300 amp ammeter 400amp Charge meter for batteries 48V(100mm*120mm*300mm) Permanent magnet motor 12 horse power Battery box With fiber glass Volt batteries CR 395 amp 6 volts Throttle pot box Curtis PB Magnet motor controller 300 amp Contactor with 12 v switch ZJW 200 amp Solar panel 175 watts 24V Solar power controller 80MPPT Source (Mid-Lakes Navigation Co., Ltd, Web. 03 May 2012) Power Fitted with a diesel powered engine and two 175W solar modules the dragons fly could generate up to 60 horse power producing a speed of 7-12km/h twenty four hours a day, the same as an average speed of sailing yacht. The dragons fly navigates with the latest modern instruments such as the Satellite supported GPS systems that allow the captains to receive data about the location of the boat at any time. Furthermore, it contained tools that indicate, water depth, speed and the direction of the wind. Fitted with autopilot that enables it automatically navigate a chosen vector (Fridell, 2008). FACTOR DRAGONFLY Motor Horse power 12 Engine horse power 63 Fuel consumption engine only( mpg) 5-6mpg Fuel consumption engine only( gph) 1gph Fuel consumption engine- motor actual use ( mpg) 10mpg Fuel consumption engine motor actual use( gph) 0.5 gph Fuel storage 100galons Range engine- motor use 1000 miles References Boxwell, M. (2011). Solar electricity handbook: A simple, practical guide to solar energy: how to design and install photovoltaic solar electric systems. Ryton on Dunmore, Warwickshire, U.K: Green stream Pub. http:www.slowboatcruise.com, 2011. Web. 03 May. 2012 The solar Boat Company limited. Electric propulsion and solar power. 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2012. Mid-Lakes Navigation Ltd, 2000 Web. 03 May 2012 Fridell, Ron. (2008). Earth-friendly Energy. Lerner classroom. Morris, N. (2006). Solar power. North Mankato, Minn: Smart Apple Media Quaschning, V. (2010). Renewable energy and climate change. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K: Wiley. Palz, W. (2010). Power for the world: The emergence of electricity from the sun. Singapore: Pan Stanford. Read More