In terms of future options, we're supposed to have diesel fuel cells
within five years. If this were to happen, we could do away with the
genset weight, yet still go all-electric. That would be an ultra-quiet
and clean system, without the weight of a generator, that could still
used regenerative props. There are methanol-based fuel cells now, but
the cost of the fuel is ridiculous, so they are best used for powering
lights and electronics.
The only problem is that five years away is often more than five
years away. Thus, my goal would be to build a future-compatible system
where the boat could start with a genset and then swap it out for a
fuel cell.
- Mike
Rob Denney wrote:
G'day,
Electric drive is certainly getting popular. Your scenario would
certainly work, but i am not yet convinced about recharging. There
are smaller volume electric motors than the Solomon and we are looking
at a variety of ideas including mounting them on the rudders on lift
up brackets so they are steerable and out of the water when not
required. Electric motor and battery technology is still getting
better and cheaper so no one is buying them until they have to,
although Blind Date now has an electric auxillary to aid with
steering. Should have some feedback on this by the end of the summer.
regards,
Rob.
On Tue, Jun 17, 2008 at 1:27 PM, oceanplodder2003 <dana-tenacity@usa.net > wrote:
> I was cruising the Solomon Technologies site. I like the idea of
> electric drive. I don't like internal combustion engines, I don't
> motor very much. I don't like the idea of dragging those bloody great
> props around.
>
> So I thought about recharging with the props till the batteries are
> nearly full, then getting them out of the water and using solar/wind
> to top them off.
>
> Would this work. A Single (or double) Solomon drive mounted on the
> centreline of the boat with a shaft that drops down to the water when
> in use. The drive unit is hinged. The hinge allows it to rotate 180 so
> it can pass through vertical (don't do this in shallow water) and
> "shunt" so you can motor/recharge on either tack.
>
> Hope I described that adequately.
> Am I nuts?
>
>
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