Imtech is acting as technology partner of PlanetSolar, the largest ship powered by solar energy in the world. In 2011, PlanetSolar will set sail on a world cruise of approximately 50,000 km, with the aim of promoting solar energy and the use of environmentally-conscious alternative fuel for sailing.
The ship was officially exhibited last week on the occasion of the 821st birthday of Hamburg’s harbour.
High-tech Catamaran Covered by Solar Panels
PlanetSolar is a high-tech 85-ton, 31-metre long and 15-metre wide catamaran, which is covered by 537 m2 of solar panels. The futuristic-looking ship is powered by two 10 kW electric motors. On board it has the world’s largest lithium-ion battery, with a power storage capacity of 2910 Ah and a weight of 11 tons. In total, PlanetSolar can travel 1000 km without sunlight. PlanetSolar has a top speed of 14 knots (25 km/h) and can house around 40 guests. It produces zero environmental pollution and the ship moves noiselessly. The Knierim Shipyard together with HDW constructed the ship in Kiel, Germany.
Around the world in 140 days
PlanetSolar is an initiative of Swiss national Raphaël Domjan, president and skipper of the ship. Jean Verne, the great-grandson of Jules Verne is one of the project’s ‘godfathers’. This is the first ship to undertake a cruise around the world powered entirely by solar energy. The 50,000 km journey is expected to take 140 days at an average speed of 8 knots (15 km/h). The planned route is via the Atlantic Ocean, through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and home via the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea. ‘Energy Consciousness Stops’ will be made amongst others in New York, San Francisco, Darwin, Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Marseilles.
Partner in ‘Green’ Technology
Imtech is technology partner on PlanetSolar and is responsible for the project management, engineering, implementation and commissioning of the high-tech energy distribution system, the technology that provides for charging the lithium-ion battery, the alarm & monitoring system and the cable system.
The company is a frontrunner in ‘green’ infrastructure for ships and has, for instance, worked on
– a large part of the ‘green’ technical infrastructure on board the ‘Rainbow Warrior III’, the new flagship of Greenpeace.
– an ecological sightseeing boat powered by a combination of solar energy and sustainable electrical propulsion in the USA.
– researching the possibilities of constructing ‘green’ luxury (mega) yachts together with Feadship and MTU.
– developing a ‘smart battery concept’ for the long-term distribution of energy on board ships.
