Design of the Delft Solar Boat (Illustration: Roel Stein)
Like its predecessor, the Delft solar boat will rely on hydrofoils to lift it out of the water and allow speeds up to 36 kilometres per hour or more. But this time, the fins will be auto-adjusting.
The student team is preparing their vessel for the fourth Frisian solar boat race, which will take place from July 8-4. The biannual event is a race for solar-powered boats over 220 kilometres, inspired by the legendary skating event called the Elfstedentocht.
Two years ago the TU Delft team featured hydrofoils for the first time. And although their boat did reach a top speed of 36 km/h, it came in third over all. That was a bit of a bummer after the victories at the first two editions in 2006 and 2008.
The main difference with two years ago is that this time the hydrofoils will be adjustable. The T-fin at the rear will be outfitted with flaps that govern the lift (last time, the tail didn’t have enough lift to get the stern off the water). The V-shaped front foil will be attached at two hinges. Two electrically powered cylinders will adjust its angle towards the oncoming water and hence the lift. Both this angle and the position of the rear flaps will be automatically controlled by a software system that uses the speed as its main input. From 12 km/h up, the boat will lift off from the water.
Less visible improvements include the hydrofoil’s profile, improved electronics and a slightly different hull-shape. Mechanical engineering student Erik Jansen estimates the ship could run up to 40 km/hr.
Over the next few weeks parts will be coming in from special composite workshops and wharfs to be assembled in Delft. The team aims for the first tests on the waters of the Schiekanaal by the end of May.
Delta Lloyd Solar Boat 2012
length 5.93 m
Beam 1.80 m
Depth 0.60 m
Weight 135 kg
solar power 1,750 Wp
engine power 4000 W
www.deltalloydsolarboat.nl
www.dongenergysolarchallenge.nl
