The Norwegian company Hurtigruten wants to reduce the CO₂ emissions of its travels to zero, and its method is as original as it is ingenious.
For centuries, ships have been propelled by the wind, and more and more builders and contractors are looking to get back to it. However, technologies have evolved and it is not necessarily a question of redoing old-fashioned sailboats. There is no shortage of ideas, and Hurtigruten’s has the merit of standing out from the crowd.
Sails ” solar »
Called Sea Zero, the concept developed by the Norwegian company and its partners is reminiscent of the spaceships of the cartoon Treasure Planet. Indeed, if it is also equipped with sails, the latter will also capture the energy of our star.
But unlike the ships in Disney’s feature film, the Sea Zero will use both solar and wind power, similar to technologies already being developed in other projects. Its retractable sails will have 750 m² of wind power surface, while their 1,500 m² of solar panels will power the ship’s electrical equipment, including the motors that accompany the wind system.
This is combined with a set of batteries with a total capacity of 60 MWh, as well as more conventional standby engines that can run on biofuel. This 135 meter long vessel, which can accommodate 500 passengers in 270 cabins, should therefore be able to operate 24 hours a day without incident. And this without emitting any greenhouse gases.
In search of energy efficiency
But for Hurtigruten, the innovation is not just about the ship’s propulsion system, but also about optimizing it. For example, it will be equipped with sensors and cameras, allowing on-board artificial intelligence to optimize trajectories and energy consumption while assisting navigators. In this way, the company will be able to reduce the size of the bridge and give a more aerodynamic shape to the whole structure.
This last aspect will also be enhanced by the propulsion systems which, when not in demand, retract into the hull to reduce underwater drag. The Sea Zero will also be fitted with an underwater air lubrication system to reduce friction with the water.
Hurtigruten is still in the early stages of project development, but aims to complete the construction of a first model by 2030. Among other things, the company is looking to develop more sustainable construction practices than those currently employed. by the industry, and also wants to use cobalt-free batteries with minimal nickel to reduce costs. See you in a few years to see if the bet is successful.
Source : Electrek
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