Designing a solar boat kit
Why a Kit?
Solar navigation is nothing new. The Energy Observer boat has been plying the oceans since 2017, while SeaZen has been carrying passengers since 2016. But production in a shipyard, by the unit, generates significant costs. Quality is not well mastered when production is too small-scale. To improve quality and contain costs, the SeaZen SRE Kit is based on the integration of industrially produced modules. Each production site is chosen according to its specialization, molds or robotic processes to guarantee the best quality standards.
Modular design
This approach is widely used in the maritime industry for the construction of large ships such as cruise ships, container ships and warships, as it significantly reduces costs. This construction method makes it possible to move very specialized tasks upstream of production, in order to be able to assemble the ship in a very simplified workshop, or even in a simple garden. It applies particularly well to this solar catamaran because the most important modules are manufactured within a radius of less than 500 km, which speeds up delays and simplifies the final integration. For example, 18 screws are enough to solidly assemble the 2 floats to the bridge structure.
Assembler’s choice
It therefore becomes possible to choose between several assembly solutions. A shipyard always offers the best level of guarantee and can perfectly assemble a ship in Kit, but its costs are impacted by significant structural, tooling and insurance costs. A craftsman or self-employed person can also assemble the Kit in a workshop or a garden, provided they have a minimum of experience and basic tools. He does not bring the same level of insurance but his hourly costs are competitive.
The assembly method is tested and proven on several boats to free itself as much as possible from the vagaries of an artisanal design since the modules are industrially produced. Once assembled, more than 20 control points can be controlled remotely. SeaZen, as a designer-integrator, is the only one able to declare the final conformity of the boat.
Materials
At the heart of the design, the SRE uses high-quality aluminum alloys (mainly 5083 and 5086) for platforms and finishes. They offer a powerful blend of lightness and strength. This not only enhances the boat’s agility on the water, but also ensures a durable, corrosion-resistant exterior capable of withstanding the harshest marine environments.
The floats are constructed from fiberglass, laminated with iso polyester resin and finished in gelcoat. This commonly used composite not only guarantees an elegant appearance, but also offers an efficient hydrodynamic profile.
The choice of 2 structural materials, aluminum and composite, also simplifies logistics to 2 specialized sites and shortens boat production times, including assembly.
In addition, the deck is offered with a cork finish, a light, resistant and non-slip material particularly appreciated by passengers.
Solar production system
Thanks to several experiments with the electric refit of the first boat at Beaulieu, the new solar propulsion system also incorporates a Simple Robust and Efficient (SRE) architecture. Compared with previous boats, it avoids 200 kg of batteries and 10 kg of copper, as well as a significant reduction in connections and therefore in the risk of oxidation at sea. This new generation also brings new motors, batteries, charging systems and solar panels, all chosen for their ease of use. The care taken to simplify every detail makes maintenance considerably easier, even in sailing regions far from service or technical support centers.
The canopy includes elegant bifaced solar panels that total a power of more than 1000 W per ton of displacement. These panels are custom built with respect to a lightweight aluminum structure. The modularity of the Kit makes it possible to independently change each solar panel, or even to change the structure of the solar roof if necessary.
The selection of quality electronic components optimizes the efficiency of solar panels by constantly adapting to sunlight. The maximum power point trackers (MPPT) interact with a remote and real-time monitoring portal of energy production, consumption and system status. The connected boat facilitates the prevention of problems. All power electronic devices are carefully selected to benefit from world-class technical support.
An optional range of new motors and 48V batteries allows you to choose the best Price – Power compromise for your uses.
Innovation and eco design
The innovation and eco-design are the result of several years of experience accumulated by the SeaZen team. The project has benefited from a label by the Pôle Mer Mediterranné, from support by BPI France and the French Federation of Nautical Industries. In addition, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis has selected the project for its acceleration program.