In addition to the growing popularity of autonomous vehicles, the autonomous vessels are also on the rise. Autonomous cargo ships, ferry boats and even electric container ships will be introduced in the coming years. At the same time, experiments are being carried out on a large scale with ships that are powered by solar panels. In many cases, the design of the hull and the drive remain more or less unchanged. The AutoNaut deviates from that. This vessel is equipped with solar energy sensors that monitor sea animals and ocean conditions. For the movement of the vessel, however, use is made of energy which is extracted from waves.
Solar powered autonome AutoNaut sails and registers
In addition to the growing popularity of autonomous vehicles, the autonomous vessels are also on the rise. Autonomous cargo ships, ferry boats and even electric container ships will be introduced in the coming years. At the same time, experiments are being carried out on a large scale with ships that are powered by solar panels. In many cases, the design of the hull and the drive remain more or less unchanged. The AutoNaut deviates from that. This vessel is equipped with solar energy sensors that monitor sea animals and ocean conditions. For the movement of the vessel, however, use is made of energy which is extracted from waves.
Solar powered AutoNaut's history
The history of the AutoNaut goes back to 1981 when a skipper wondered whether it would not be possible to drive his schooner with the movement of the waves. This resulted in a prototype with which the viability of the idea could be demonstrated. Despite that, the plans disappeared for over 20 years before the skipper took the next step: a hull specially designed to be driven by waves. The idea was commercialized in 2012; a 2-year refinement of technology has recently been completed. During that test period, navigation, control and remote data collection were improved.
Earlier this year, a new, 5 meter long unmanned vessel full of sensors was presented. The keel of the vessel is fitted with spring-loaded sheet metal with which energy from the up and down wave movements can be extracted and converted into thrust. The design is such that the thrust is delivered independently of the wave direction; the speed that is thereby achieved is approximately 5 knots.
Solar panels on the top of the deck provide the power for the sensors. The data that is recorded and processed in this way is then sent to the shore via a satellite link. The same satellite connection can also be used again to control the vessel. The video below demonstrates the development of the AutoNaut.
By: Maakindustrie
https://www.whatsorb.com/category/transportation