Many years ago, our ancestors harnessed the natural power of the wind to move their boats on the high seas, using sails. Today, we have some fresh new ideas on harnessing solar power to do even better. Sails worked beautifully for centuries as an efficient and powerful method of providing mobility for seafaring craft, but the key problem is when you have little or no wind, and you need to make some small maneuvers to get underway, such as leaving a harbor. The solution has always been an onboard motor, which burns fuel and causes pollution to the atmosphere and water beneath. Soon we may see solar-powered sailboats as an alternative.
The Volitan is a proposed solar-powered sailboat that uses a 4-wing configuration covered with solar panels to aid in powered motion. The 4-wing setup helps maintain stability and gives the boat a very maneuverable frame. The upper wings can fold in to line up with the boat during harsh winds or stormy conditions, equivalent to bringing in the sails of a traditional sailboat. The lower wings can also fold up out of the water to give the boat more stability and less resistance during high winds or high speed cruising.
Beneath, there is an electric motor that is entirely powered by the solar panels and battery array. No special batteries are necessary for this prototype design, and conventional marine batteries will sit near the bottom of the boat acting as both power storage and ballast. In fact, solar power will be responsible for powering all on-board electronics and devices. In constructing the Volitan, weight will be a key issue, and composite materials such as carbon fiber and epoxy resin were used in the design to reduce weight. Water-proof resin will be used to cover all exterior features, including the solar panel array.
In 2007, the Volitan took first place in both the Transportation and Nautical/Boats categories at the 2007 International Design Awards. Still merely a design, the Volitan has a way to go before it gets built, but in the meantime, a lot of eco-minded sailors will anxiously await the solar-powered sailboat.
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The Volitan really looks like something out of a science fiction fantasy. It is gratifying to see concepts such as these, because it will only remain a concept for so long before the technology gets embraced and becomes a reality.
We sure have come a long way from the days of rafts and simple reed boats. A sun powered sailboat definitely works for me, and I’d like to be the proud captain of one of these babies when I retire one day.
Until next time, happy sailing!
Tim