On Thursday, the covers were taken off PlanetSolar, a multi-hulled vessel, powered entirely by up to 500 square metres of photovoltaic solar panels. It is considered to be the world's largest solar boat.
The 31-meter-long and 15-meter-wide craft is expected to be able capture 103.4 kW of solar energy to drive its engine which apparently only needs 20kW, to achieve an average speed of eight knots (15kph or 9mph). Although it is hoped it can also attain a top speed of roughly twice that. While it is impressive that the PlanetSolar can achieve all its propulsion with just sunlight, at those speeds the global circumnavigation planned for 2011 might take a wee while to complete.
The 60 tonne catamaran (or is that trimaran?) has cost 18 million euro ($24.4 million Usd) to create at the Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel in northern Germany and will be launched waterside next month with sea trials due between June and September.
The 31-meter-long and 15-meter-wide craft is expected to be able capture 103.4 kW of solar energy to drive its engine which apparently only needs 20kW, to achieve an average speed of eight knots (15kph or 9mph). Although it is hoped it can also attain a top speed of roughly twice that. While it is impressive that the PlanetSolar can achieve all its propulsion with just sunlight, at those speeds the global circumnavigation planned for 2011 might take a wee while to complete.
The 60 tonne catamaran (or is that trimaran?) has cost 18 million euro ($24.4 million Usd) to create at the Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel in northern Germany and will be launched waterside next month with sea trials due between June and September.
- 2/26/2010
- by Brian Merchant of TreeHugger
- Fast Company
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.