14 DAY TRIAL // PlanetSolar, the giant solar-powered boat is about to complete an ambitious task: a voyage around the Globe, while being powered only by clean, green energy coming from the sun.
In up to three months, the vessel is expected to reach Monaco, establishing a new record and proving that alternative power is reliable enough to replace, or at least decrease, fossil fuel usage. At this point in time, the ship is located in Abu Dhabi, the perfect destination for people and companies willing to learn more about the latest innovation is the sector of renewable technologies, since it hosts the World Future Energy Summit, organized every year.
All in all, crew members seem pleased with their progress. PlanetSolar has managed to prove its awesome powers for 478 days now, while only relying on sunlight harnessed by 703 highly efficient solar panels.
“The incredibly light carbon structure of this futuristic vessel with electric motorisation is extremely durable. PlanetSolar is the biggest solar ship in the world. The 537 m2 of photovoltaic panel power 6 blocks of lithium-ion battery, a technology that offers maximal power and energy density, thus enabling a navigation time that is unmatched to date,” reveal the developers.
Even so, manufacturers behind the huge eco-friendly boat have taken a few measures of precaution, since the contested reliability of solar power has determined skeptics to raise an eyebrow while talking about the success of this mission.
To be able to guarantee that PlanetSolar will reach its final destination on time, the company has decided to install two additional diesel engines that were never turned on.
Instead of depending on dirty sources of energy, crew members make sure that the lithium battery is always at least 30% charged, enough to keep them out of trouble and help them arrive at Monaco.
It seems that, throughout time, the solar system has demonstrated its utility, without experiencing any kind of disturbing issues. Once the voyage is completed, passengers would be able to brag about the new global record, highlighting that green technologies could become an important asset in the long term.