We have previously written about the Aptera Typ-1, a futuristic looking EV that will go into production in October 2008.
This time, Turkish design firm Designnobis Studio has come up with an all-green concept sailboat which it calls 'Volitan',
meaning 'flying fish'. The twin solid sails do like the fins of a flying fish when lowered. For their eco-conscious efforts,
Designnobis Studio designers Hakan Gürsu Dr. & Sözüm Doğan came out tops in both the Nautical/Boats sub-category and
Transportation main category at the International Design Award 2007.
The boat's systems are controlled and optimized by a computer network.
The solar panels lining both sides of the sails automatically track the
sun and wind to harness solar power and track sail power respectively.
The solar power stored is then used to charge the batteries, which in
turn power the electric motors and drive the side propellers. When the
sea gets choppy, the sails fold up against the boat.
The designers have engineered the boat to operate in 60 knots of wind. Under normal
sailing conditions, however, Volitan is predicted to be capable of
achieving average speeds of 12 -14 knots per hour under wind power.
‘Floating’ wings on the sides support and stabilize the boat. The twin
220 HP/ DC motors on the sides of the boat maximize navigation
performance. When docking, the floating wings can easily be retracted.
Since all energy requirements on the vessel, from conversion of sea
water to drinking water, electrical power, to heating and cooling
systems, are drawn from the sun and wind, this makes the Volitan
possibly the greenest boat ever – provided it goes into production.
www.designnobis.com