Serene progress sliding across clam waters in the final version of RA, the solar powered boat.
We have been following the progress of RA and the solar electric boat's challenge to the Great Loop from its very inception as noted in this early adoption of a Roost USA, Inc. folding top.
Persistence is the hallmark of a champion and Jim has it in spades. His raw determination has served well to change, quite literally, the course of modern boating power. I and many others alike, doff my hat to the man whose dream to sail the Suwannee River went quite afar to complete the Great Loop on solar energy alone. Over 7,200 miles are claimed by the dauntless sailor of RA, a totally electric sun powered boat.
The face of determination, persistence and a nice set of whiskers, Jim Greer.
From comments made throughout his sojourn he often alludes to the fact that the boat is basic transport, not built for luxury accommodation. However, if you want to be the first to complete the Great Loop with the sun as your gas station in the sky, his boat, RA, definitely got the job done.
November 17th marked the Mog's first brief foray into the swift moving Cape Fear River. The Totally Electric Powered Solar (TEPS)tm boat, driven by just one of three diminutive Torqeedo 6 horsepower electric motors, clearly demonstrated both strength and agility. Utilizing no dockside personnel for the single handed operation of the 40 foot boat would be a concern for anyone, especially departing or entering a slip in flowing water, the response and dependability of the motors was completely up to the the task. No resulting drama or bumps were encountered during all the testing.
All three motors in full reverse
Several different combinations of the 3 motors were tested to determine how the boat could be maneuvered best while leaving the slip, located inside the marina fairway. The departure was challenged by a light wind and the river's noteworthy flow. The best method was by using the port and starboard motors to steer the boat in the close confines of the fairway's moving water. The levers of the forward/reverse controls at the helm made the task logical and most intuitive with the added convenience of displaying the electricity level (fuel) while under way. After clearing the slip and exiting the fairway, only the center motor of three was used, the port and starboard motors being switched to the off (neutral) position. The two stopped motors were left to their full immersion depth while all drive and steering was performed by the single 6 hp center motor. A 60 horsepower internal combustion engine (ICE) had previously occupied the center jack plate, now used by a Torqeedo electric motor. Although much less power by ICE standards, the new electric motor was actually an improvement in both operation and handling. The selection of the motor's drive direction at the electric motor controller (binnacle) was not the choppy response to inputs that the ICE demonstrated. Also absent with the electric motor, was the raw overspeed accompanying direction change with attendant engagement clunks in the gear box. Also of note was the lack of noise, fumes, and most appreciated, the smooth transition through forward, neutral and reverse.
A longer duration full throttle test was made while out in the river.
Full power was very briefly used just to get an idea of the reserve capability. As shown in a previously made video, there is no lack of drive from the 3 twelve inch high efficiency motor propellers. More tests of that sort will be performed a bit later when all the photovoltaic modules are once again returned to the roof. The recent test was made with only half the usual solar array size as evidenced by the unused modules secured to the bulkhead in the aft cockpit. The future Although all the drive electricity comes from the batteries, the solar array atop the roof replenishes some battery deficits during full throttle operation. The array wattage output at this time of manufacturing is not great enough to run the boat at full throttle for extended periods but does provided the capability to bolster the battery reserve when high demand is needed. Keep in mind that a somewhat typical trawler carries about 300 gallons of diesel fuel weighing in at about 2000 pounds. The Mog has been making all of its runs on less than half that weight with just conventional lead acid batteries.
This battery replacing our 18 batteries would be 3X the power
at the very same weight with no complex cell balance electronics.
We have batteries in the near future that are safer, faster charging, as long life, quarter the cost and simpler than Li systems. We also have a new solar array a fifth the current weight with better roof conformity, more watts at a low price per watt of energy. To top those pluses, all of the system elements are quick to stow or move at the owners desire. Moreover, the systems, including drive motors, are able to be dismantled and shipped by ground or air delivery for upgrade or replacement. Try that with some of the other power devices and storage systems.
This 11 module 450 pound 2.5 kW array will be replaced with 4 kW at 100 pounds.
The Mog, our boat named ALGEMAC II, has a power and drive system being designed to be fixed as consumer serviceable modules with online wireless diagnostics at a factory into the boat.
Now you see them,
Now you don't. Unlock them, 15 minutes they are stowed inside.
The following are short videos made by the captain during single handed sailing. More in depth videos will be upcoming after the solar roof is reassembled as used in 2016.
Only one of the 3 electric motors, at about half throttle powered the boat against the tide flow with the solar array keeping the batteries at a constant 24 volt system level. The slip and fairway test was navigated by two motors with the center motor off (neutral).
There is a saying that makes far too much sense to ignore and is best summed up here...
Our take on his comment is that the fewer the lines (ropes or fuel) the better time the ship's occupants and captain will have. This becomes especially apparent when the lines are low voltage cables, electronic modules, basic batteries, few switches, safe fuel (Sun), engines (motors) the wife can lift, no oil smell, exhaust and a litany of 'less stuff' for which to care. Oh, and all at a leisurely sailboat speed.
The three Torqeedo motors are very small but their 12 inch diameter props are highly efficient for the 40 foot Totally Electric Powered Solar (TEPS)tm boat, as shown here in a still picture from a video.
An example might be that the new power drive system, at this time, is by Torqeedo electric outboards. Similar horsepower inboard motors are also available from the company but our affinity for really shallow 18 inch water then beach the boat, seems to indicate 3 kickers instead of fixed propellers and rudder stock.
Totally Electric Powered Solar (TEPS)tm boat is gracefully aground to access remote beaches with an 18 inch draft. The forefoot is protected by a unique planking while the bottom is protected by twin robust keels.
All three motors applying considerable reverse thrust to the stern while the additional securing bolts on the jack plates transfer the tension evenly to their jack plate assembly.
The motors are powerful enough to drive the boat at her max hull speed of 8 miles per hour (7 knots) yet removable at the end of the day so that all three can be stowed away in 20 minutes without raising a sweat.
Details such as bolts that further secure the motors after the clamps are tightened are provided as well as a simple method to insure that the stainless steel wing nuts do not inadvertently join the briny deep by fumbling fingers. Simple wire retainers such as pictured keep the owner and captain very calm and cool during placement and removal.
Shown are the three jack plate inserts which hold the outboard motors, provided with extra bolts to hold the motors firmly to the plates during reverse. The jack plate can stay in place while removing the motor or the motor and the jack plate can be removed as a single unit. Motor assembly weight is 42 pounds with an additional 8 pounds with the plate attached.
There is more to do to get ready for this summer's contribution to logging more miles on the Great Loop adventure. Most of the miles will be close to Wilmington as we test the system further and go even farther in North Carolina waters.
Monday, May 15, 2017
TRIPLETS!!! UPDATE
The Selection Made & Mounted
And a launch tomorrow June 15, 2017
A long process
All systems ready for launch sequence.
has been brought to a happy conclusion after much due diligence. I, as were a few others, was somewhat surprised at the selection of Torqeedo, made in Germany. Even though I was the main decider, there was a bit of history, support issues, technical information and pricing.
The bottom line, pricing, was dealt with by actually paying more than the Torqeedo competitors. The Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 RL is not a cheap build, it is fully EU compliant with a host of firsts. Not only a first rate motor but an entire systems approach has been launched that can knit two units together with a single binnacle having GPS speed, health, charge level, distance and time remaining.
The first edition of this boat had only two 5 hp electric motors that yielded enough power to push the boat at the hull speed of seven knots. Just one of those motors weighed more than all three of these. The three shown provide 18 hp, That is 8 hp more than needed for hull speed. Actual power trials and maneuvering will commence about the last week of June 2017.
To compliment that technology is their unique optional battery pack with seamless integration.
Even though I will not be using all of that tech by using my own flooded cell lead acid batteries, I can still use a great deal of the tech with a future option to add on their Li battery system at any time... plug and play.
The purchase was for 3 of the motors, 3 spare propellers, 6 extensions for the forty foot boat and three individual speed/direction controllers. The three diminutive motor's size belies the power that is packed into a submerged 24 volt power torpedo mounting an advanced propeller of a whopping 12' diameter. That diameter is 2 inches more than the powerful custom conversion outboards I have made for the boat. In fact they are as big and more power efficient than the original 12" Michigan Wheel props originally selected for the first version of the MOG.
Gone is the 60 hp gasoline engine and 2 large electric outboards. Can you spot the electric motors peaking over the transom?
The clutter of two gasoline tanks, gas hoses, starter cable, shift cable and throttle is gone.
The testing will begin in late June after the relaunch. All of the cabling and switches were also a part of the Torqeedo package, saving many hours of creating custom cables and affixing terminals of correct size to the ends, a thankless task.
What is even more fun is that even at forty feet of boat, it all fits as if a 12 foot boat. Because of the boat length of nearly 40 feet, I added 6 extra helm controller cables to the order, that was it.
Now the mounting
This is where the electricity hits the water. The motors I had custom built were lighter than any on the market, powered by only 24 volts but at significant amperage. The same 24 volts was key to be kept and the new motors function from the same low voltage system used previously.
To say the least, Torqeedo has made the setting up quite easy. At a final weight (including the heavy duty twin 5 foot copper wire) of just 42 pounds, lifting them onto the transom was easy.
Stowed on the aft salon sole are the 3 motors, very powerful and compact, with remote hand controls.
All three motors can therefore be set into position, powered and ready for throttle in less time than a coffee break. No huffing and puffing required.
More to come
Getting a few snapshots of the transom decked out in its new garb was nearly effortless on a very warm day, an absolutely grand exercise. More about which to write in a few weeks but this should get you up to speed with what is in the works.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
ALL SYSTEMS READY?
Not yet but getting close.
1. The www.mogcanalboat.com site is now up and running quite well.
2. The Totally Electric Powered Solar (TEPS) boat is hauled & being readied.
3. New motors are being ordered for the new drives. Info to be released April 18th.
4. We are pushing hard to get the TEPS boat to New Bern, NC for Spring Rendezvous.
More info soon as it all comes together.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
WHOOPS - our other site is under construction.
Photographed when the MOG was lengthened 10 feet from a 30 to a 40 foot boat about 12/13/2009.
The MOG website will be up & down for this December 3 & 4th of 2016.
We and our internet server folks at COMSPECO are reformatting our site.
Monday December 5th should be the date for the full relaunch of the site.
The site visitor will find dates and specifications that reflect the MOG of 2016.
These updates will be taking place over the next week, so bear with us please.
The site will look quite similar to the old but the underlying features for operation
and editing will be far superior as well as better access by all types of computers
and devices. Thank you in advance for your patience.
George.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
INAUGURATION DAY
The MOG Totally Electric Powered Solar (TEPS) boat wowed the crowd.
The 1st Wilmington Boat Show
A Huge Success Sept. 9-11, 2016
Without a doubt, the inaugural Wilmington Boat Show came off without a hitch. With a planned for crowd expected at about 5,000 the attendance was greater than 11,500 at the gate and that was not counting special considerations such as vendor guests or those that may have attended through the waterway & dock area.
For the TEPS (Totally Electric Powered Solar) boat, over seventy of the hundreds walking through the boat, signed up for the email 'advanced info' service. That service is a confidential notification to those that signed on, to get earlier notification of technology updates prior to MogNavy Blogs.
In some cases MOG will get a new or updated technology to test. Often these tests are not mentioned until completed. Those that signed up with their email address will at least be aware that we are addressing a market need and what the time frame, use and expectations are.
Heads up will also be given as to a scheduled blog about the product. Some of the products used are subject to Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with a manufacturer which prohibits passing information to the public concerning test data.
Algemac II displays its technology for awaiting guests
as well as those aboard.
We are quite sure that our readers will understand that this is needed so that a product can be reviewed and have improvements made prior to entering the market. It is the manufacturer, at certain times, that will allow us to announce a specific product's use and can be released through the email. In return, MOG gets to test and work with some very interesting eco and high efficiency items. Our readers then get the scoop on what is really new when the manufacturer and MOG agree on lifting the NDA after confidential evaluation.
Passers by just loved the comparison of the big
fossil guzzler being replaced by two small
but powerful torqeedo electric outboards.
For a displacement hull such as the MOG, the two
Torqeedo units equal the available thrust of the 60 hp
fossil fuel guzzler in the center of the transom.
The Torqeedo 4.0 Cruise motors were perfect for getting the comparison across to the show attendees. Seeing a 60 horsepower ICE that could not push the boat any faster (and less control) than two electric motors was an eye opener.
Inside the boat we showed a video of the old motors pushing the boat at speed while relating to the viewer that the Torqeedo was a more advanced outboard, readily available and packed all the power needed for two outboards to negate the use of gasoline or diesel power.
Power with no fossil fuels was clearly displayed.
At the helm were displayed a variety of steering and control
methods for the electric motors. Also shown is the AGLCA
burgee to indicate our intention to embark on the
Great Loop of over 6,000 miles.
A small sample of the new thin solar module material was passed around to the folks boarding the MOG for a tour. The thin film modules will drop the module weight from about 40 pounds to just 4 pounds. Not only is that a drastic weight loss but the new modules come in many more sizes which allows more efficient use of space on the roof.
With better use of roof space, over 3,000 watts of power can be generated. Simply put, the boat can cruise in a straight line, at a sailboat speed (without tacking) without significantly taxing the batteries. That kind of efficient energy use should allay any fears of range anxiety.
The modules currently used weigh 44 pounds each. With 11
modules and mounting hardware, that is about 500 pounds
total. The new module layout should total about 100 pounds
and a more dense array yielding higher power output..
This is an example of how the new thin film and light weight
solar electric collection modules might appear on the roof.
Various sizes and mounting methods would better utilize
