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Tests
are under way to determine if Solar Navigator should be
fitted with auxiliary generators. Fellow AYRS
member, Peter Worsley has built a number of
catamarans with rotary sails, which have the
extraordinary ability to head straight into the wind.
While
it may not be possible to generate sufficient electrical
energy to overcome headwinds, nevertheless, there is
some advantage to using wind energy to supply the
onboard electrical needs of the vessel and crew.
Testing
catamaran auxiliary generators in side wind
If
Solar Navigator is equipped as per the picture above,
with wind turbines, she would be a true hybrid
craft. Whichever way you look at her, we hope you
will agree she is something to look at.
The
model above is not yet equipped with the Sun
Tracker system to ensure correct alignment of her
solar panels. Nor, the aluminium spaceframe,
which it is hoped will reduce weight and possibly reduce
drag.
It
is hoped the combined technology will allow us to set
model speed and endurance records (beat
our own records) in the near future as part of our
development of the full size vessel.
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