Solar cat test-bed for next generation batteries

The vessel, named PlanetSolar, will be launched later this month and will undergo testing, before embarking on a round-the-world tour early next year. The goal is to navigate around the world at an average speed of 8 knots.

PlanetSolar is a 31m long and 15m wide catamaran vessel topped by a large array of high-efficiency photovoltaic solar cells from SunPower Corp. In all, it can expose a total of 500m2 of photovoltaic surface (solar panels) to the sun, making it the largest solar powered vessel in the world. It will be powered by approximately 38,000 of SunPower’s next generation cells, each cell offering an efficiency of at least 22 percent, the highest efficiency solar cells commercially available and generating over 100kW of power.

The boat is financed by the German entrepreneur and solar pioneer Immo Ströher. It was built at Kiel’s Knierim Yachtbau and there is perhaps a little more than neighbourliness behind the decision to unveil the vessel at HDW since it is playing a key role in the project. HDW is testing innovative lithium ion battery cells on board the solar catamaran.

In close cooperation with Knierim and battery manufacturer GAIA, HDW will now enter the final development phase for a new generation of energy storage systems that is designed for future use on non-nuclear submarines.

The chairman of HDW’s executive board, Walter Freitag, states: “”Lithium ion technology is an enormous step forward for submarine batteries. These cells were developed by GAIA, with the support of HDW and exclusively for us. In comparison to the lead acid batteries commonly used so far on board submarines, they feature much greater capacity and a longer life expectancy. In addition, they are virtually maintenance-free. Due to the very high demands in the submarine construction sector and in order to ensure operational safety on board, HDW has developed a comprehensive safety concept for system integration. The solar catamaran is the prototype for first operation of the lithium ion technology on board a manned vessel.”

HDW has an advisory role during integration of the currently largest lithium ion battery in the world on board PlanetSolar and is supporting Knierim with technical know-how. This particularly applies to the safety aspects of operating lithium ion technology on board.