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Electric Ship Electric Ship is a project to redefine shipping by using a modular build concept, with multiple missions, using renewable energy. Gaviotas: A Village to Reinvent the World.This is the book, the story, the philosophy that started it all. Alan Weisman has captured the essence of sustainable, renewable energy, in his epic story-telling of this amazing project, and concept, in the eastern llanos of Colombia.Cruising Review is working closely with electricship.com to design, build, and operate a solar powered electric yacht which will be a income source using AirBNB for hotel revenue. Lakes are currently the least expensive and most accessible real estate in Europe, but especially in Italy, France, and Switzerland. Lakes and rivers provide some of the best views anywhere. Electric Ship Website
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Galley The Advantages of Going Non-Animal Products at SeaThere’s no better time to go vegan while cruising.PRODUCT: Save your animal cravings for shore, it will save your power needs and provide you with a sustainable living methodology at sea. What’s the first thing to go during a emergency power outage ? Food spoils. In this case, meat (seafood), and dairy. Not to mention that the availability of meat products can be very expensive. You don’t have to go vegan, just save your steak endeavors for shore visits. During the hurricanes, what were the first pressing needs ? Power. All those refrigerators and freezers need power to keep meat and dairy from spoiling. Need a hot meal during a natural disaster ? Get a emergency solar oven. You can even make them. Dried beans and rice are easy to rehydrate and cook for a hot meal.Onboard, use electrical efficient induction stove top or hot plate, microwave, or Instant Pot pressure cooker. Cooking time is faster, less cleanup, and less heat in the galley (reduces air conditioning in the tropics). All these small electrical savings add up. You reduce generator time, or battery time if on solar.Dump the propane usage and storage. It’s a heavy gas, which means it sinks into your bilge and can be explosive. It’s hard to get and expensive. Instead, get a solar oven, or an extra solar panel to drive an induction cook top.Dried beans and rice are easy to store, have a long shelf life, and inexpensive to buy. They rehydrate and cook easy, and are a staple in most parts of the world, which means easy access. A cup of beans and rice will give you all the protein you need for one day.Dried beans and other seeds not only can be cooked, but used as micro greens (sprout overnight and eat the next day for nutrient packed fresh food), or grown into sprouts or plants.Micro greens offer a fast-grow solution for delicious variety in salad and fresh food. Best of all, they can be grown with minimal amounts of light (you can use LEDs)in stormy weather. Most micro greens and sprouts pack more nutrition than the grown plants. They offer vitamins and protein.For more substantial greens, consider varieties of tomatoes and peppers sized for cruising boats. A solar still can produce all the fresh water these plants need. At the very least, consider starting with herb plants, such as cilantro, basil, parsley, oregano, and sage. They can provide you with a fresh spice option for any meal.Harvesting plants for food daily does not require the use of refrigeration.On-Board Vegetable Garden: Micro-greens and other vegetables can be grown at sea.Less Refrigeration Hassles: Lessen your need for freezing and refrigeration. No spoilage. Electric Ship: Galley (pdf) |
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Refrigeration Refrigerator, freezer, and ice maker.PRODUCT: Full batteries ? Make ice. 1 amp (120 watts AC).Dometic or Sunfrost.Top Load: The most efficient method of cold storage is a chest-type device. Why ? Because the cold sinks, and preserves the volume of cool. In cabinet type refigerator freezers, as soon as you open the door, the cold volume spills out (again, cold sinks).Efficient Operation Versus Initial Purchase Price: A Dometic will cost one have to the same for volume, while the SunFrost is typically more efficient by a factor of two. On Demand Cooking Versus Refrigerated Storage: While it might seem like a good idea to freeze, store, defroze, and then cook, if you cook on-demand you can store dry and save the energy. If you must freeze, defrost ahead of time in the refrigerator, to re-capture the cool energy before final defrost.Biggest Meal of Day at Noon: Try to keep the biggest meal of the day at noon or early afternoon. Save dinner for lightest meal. That way all cooking gets done when the Sun is out. Electric Ship: Refrigeration (pdf) |
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Food at Sea Infinity Electric ShipDate: The Advantages of Going Non-Animal Products at SeaThere’s no better time to go vegan while cruising.PRODUCT: Save your animal cravings for shore, it will save your power needs and provide you with a sustainable living methodology at sea. What’s the first thing to go during a emergency power outage ? Food spoils. In this case, meat (seafood), and dairy. Not to mention that the availability of meat products can be very expensive. You don’t have to go vegan, just save your steak endeavors for shore visits. During the hurricanes, what were the first pressing needs ? Power. All those refrigerators and freezers need power to keep meat and dairy from spoiling. Need a hot meal during a natural disaster ? Get a emergency solar oven. You can even make them. Dried beans and rice are easy to rehydrate and cook for a hot meal.Onboard, use electrical efficient induction stove top or hot plate, microwave, or Instant Pot pressure cooker. Cooking time is faster, less cleanup, and less heat in the galley (reduces air conditioning in the tropics). All these small electrical savings add up. You reduce generator time, or battery time if on solar.Dump the propane usage and storage. It’s a heavy gas, which means it sinks into your bilge and can be explosive. It’s hard to get and expensive. Instead, get a solar oven, or an extra solar panel to drive an induction cook top.Dried beans and rice are easy to store, have a long shelf life, and inexpensive to buy. They rehydrate and cook easy, and are a staple in most parts of the world, which means easy access. A cup of beans and rice will give you all the protein you need for one day.Dried beans and other seeds not only can be cooked, but used as micro greens (sprout overnight and eat the next day for nutrient packed fresh food), or grown into sprouts or plants.Micro greens offer a fast-grow solution for delicious variety in salad and fresh food. Best of all, they can be grown with minimal amounts of light (you can use LEDs)in stormy weather. Most micro greens and sprouts pack more nutrition than the grown plants. They offer vitamins and protein.For more substantial greens, consider varieties of tomatoes and peppers sized for cruising boats. A solar still can produce all the fresh water these plants need. At the very least, consider starting with herb plants, such as cilantro, basil, parsley, oregano, and sage. They can provide you with a fresh spice option for any meal.Harvesting plants for food daily does not require the use of refrigeration.On-Board Vegetable Garden: Micro-greens and other vegetables can be grown at sea.Less Refrigeration Hassles: Lessen your need for freezing and refrigeration. No spoilage. Electric Ship: Food at Sea (pdf) |
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Modular Hull Modular Multi-Hull BoatThe case for a unsinkable, modular composite hybrid boat hull.PRODUCT: Wound Matrix Hulls: The hulls would be constructed from sheets of high strength bubble pack or foam, spiral wound within sheets of fiber material (bamboo mat, carbon fiber, fiberglass, or other fabrics), infused with vacuum bagged epoxy resin. The epoxy resin is made with graphene, from a inexpensive process for color and strength. The hull sections can be made with a continuous casting (feed) mould or loom. For additional strength, the outer layer can be fiber filament wound(similar to carbon fiber tubes).Overall Constraints: Proa, catamaran, or trimaran. Lighter weight construction materials. Positive buoyancy without any bilge. Sectional builds for modular construction. Efficient hydrodynamics requires less power. Modular construction ease in maintenance and repair. Entire hull is a crash bulkhead. Multipurpose Hulls: Sole purpose of hulls is for buoyancy (lifting) and bulk fluid storage (water and power storage): Hull construction allows the actual fabrication to make hull a large battery or super-capacitor. Not only does the lightweight hull provide battery storage, but becomes a solid-state utilities infrastructure.TIME: Hull Design: The three hull ship would have a center hull for main propulsion, while the outer hulls would be for directional control and thrusters for slow speed maneuvering and docking. Outer hulls would have bulk liquid storage built into the sections, and become a super-capacitor storage device.Propulsion: Center hull would be for main propulsion, which would be a large fin-type design that has pod drive thrusters at the tips of the fins which not only provide upward and downward motion to the fins to move large volumes of water at slow speed, but also low volume, high speed tip thrust for maneuvering at slow speed. The small tip thrusters would have counter-rotating props for 30 percent more efficient power. Propulsion would have line guards for anti-fouling from crab/lobster pots or other fishing line.Modular Deck: The multi-hulls would provide anchor supports for a deck, which would have anchor points for modular structures, such as cabins, galley, salon, wheel house, storage, greenhouse, and other modules, which give the user an unlimited configuration option, depending on the ships mission.Hybrid Power: The electrical system would powered by a combination of solar electric, wind, solar thermal, and conventional engine generator (backup). Storage via super-capacitors in the hulls.Roll Forming Composite Hull: A new process to form boat hulls, by vacuum bag epoxy infused rolling bubble-pack with composites and other fibers for strength. Hull Super-Capacitor: Roll forming using bubble pack and carbon or graphene separation allows assembly to become a battery or super-capacitor. Electric Ship: Modular Hull (pdf) |
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Paddlewheel Propulsion Propulsion OptionsRenewable energy powered prime mover.PRODUCT: Traditional screw propeller propulsion has been around for more than one hundred years. In it various forms, it has been proven to be reliable, and has morphed into the most modern evolution of electric pods (tractor and tug). Personal watercraft slow speed options include very efficient fins. All have the inherent issues of grounding, and line fouling. Providing planing hull propulsion requires a great deal of horsepower, while foiling devices require clean water due to fouling.Overall Constraints: Multiple power drive options. Reliability. Resistant to underwater hazards (grounding, line fouling). Repairability. Low maintenance. Ease of access. Sub-planing speeds for sustainable fuel efficient power (less than 15 knots).Electric Drive: An electric drive option gives the user the option of multiple ways to produce power, including fuel engine, wind, thermal, and solar electric.Using AC Motor with DC: While contradictory to common knowledge, a AC motor can run on DC. The advantages of a AC motor are longer running life, and less acquisition cost. On smaller AC motors in commercial appliances, you’ll need to replace the switch, which will burn out quickly. Electric Ship: Paddlewheel Propulsion (pdf) |
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Solar Heat Using Solar for 24 Hour Heat AccessReview of the Zeolite heat storage pellets. Just add water.Just Add Water: A revolutionary heat storage product has been around for some time now, but this is one of the first applications for solar cooking and hot water heating use off-grid. The product is called a Zeolite, which is a high surface area substance, which when exposed to water, releases heat. The structure is unique, in that it can be recharged with heat, and retain that latent heat virtually indefinitely if kept dry, until it comes in contact with water. Instant Heat: The remarkable feature of this substance in pellet or ball form, is that it can boil water almost instantly. So it is perfect for emergency water purification, and cooking. Heat Recharge: Because the Zeolites need to be heated to be recharged, it is a perfect application for the solar vacuum tube. The recharge temperature is 130 to 250 C.Charge Now Use Later: The unique qualities of the heat storage (at room temperature), allow you to use the Zeolite at any time of the day, just add water. After cool down of the pellets, dry off and recharge in your solar thermal vacuum tube. The pellets store at ambient temperature.Storage: The best method of storage of pellets is in vacuum sealed bags, or mason jars. For larger amounts, vacuum sealed 5 gallon buckets (either pressure sealed lid or vacuum bag entire bucket). It’s imperative to keep water and moisture out of the charged Zeolites. Any water incursion can result in the rapid release of heat around 212 F or 100 C.Use: A few pellets can heat an entire cup of coffee or tea. This provides a very simple way to deliver heat to your cup of morning beverage. They can also be used for soups, double boilers, and with some ingenuity, they can be used as a low to medium temperature burner heat source. Used with boiling water, you can make steamed vegetables, rice, and pasta. Commercial Uses: Bosch has been using Zeolite in their PerfectDry dishwashers since 2008, to assist in drying at the end of the washing cycle. They also claim to have a quieter drying operation. Thermador also has entered the dishwasher market with the StarDry drying solution.Zeolite Pellets: The unique latent heat storage capabilities of the Zeolite pellets allow them to release heat by just adding water. They can be recharged with solar vacuum tube heat.Solar Vacuum Tube Heating Zeolite: The solar thermal vacuum tube can efficiently heat to recharge Zeolite pellets. Without a reflector it can heat up to 212 F or 100 C. With reflectors up to 400 F or 204 C. Electric Ship: Solar Heat (pdf) |
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Solar Power Merging Solar Technologies While solar pv (photovoltaic) panels are a great resource for stored power, consider solar thermal for a smaller point-of-use compact solution that delivers a cost effective solution.Onboard, use electrical efficient induction stove top or hot plate, microwave, or Instant Pot pressure cooker. Cooking time is faster, less clean-up, and less heat in the galley (reduces air conditioning in the tropics). All these small electrical savings add up. You reduce generator time, or battery time if on solar.Dump the propane usage and storage. It’s a heavy gas, which means it sinks into your bilge and can be explosive. It’s hard to get and expensive. Instead, get a solar oven, or an extra solar panel to drive an induction cooktop.Using both solar pv as well as solar thermal, provide the maximum benefits for the best price. If you are staging in tropical locations, this can be as simple as a black painted hot water tank. More sophisticated systems include solar vacuum tubes which can provide stored heat at a more economical price than batteries.Solar StrategyGoal: Provide energy from the Sun which is free and doesn’t require that you’re tethered to land-based hydrocarbon fuel sources.1. Solar PV: The best primary power collection, storage, and delivery is solar photovoltaics. Panel costs are now very affordable with great portability (i.e. no fuel stops). Using light-weight Lithium batteries, you can now dump the legacy propane based cooking and heating.2. Solar Thermal:(a) Solar Reflector Oven: Used for decades, this basic devices work reliably and can be used for cooking everything from rice and beans, to bread. Can be used to heat water, and focuses mealtimes at the lowest glycemic index period of the day (multiple benefits).(b) Solar Vacuum Tube: Primarily used for hot water, provides a excellent source of free heat.3. Wood Fired Pizza Oven: Always have a back up. Having a small wood fired oven can provide hot water and delicious meals.4. Survival: Acquire inflatable solar desalination units available for liferafts and other survival situations.Solar Oven On Deck: While some solar ovens can be bulky, they fold up for compact storage. Solar Beans and Rice: Solar ovens can bake a complete meal such as rice and beans Solar: Solar ovens have folding reflectors, for ease of storage. Even if you don’t regularly cook with solar, keeping one for emergencies is a good idea.Solar Oven Temperatures: Even the most basic of solar ovens can reach temperatures between 250-300 F. Electric Ship: Solar Power (pdf) |
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Eco Ship With the advent of overpriced and overtaxed land-based accommodations and workspaces, a eco-minded alternative has been inspired by the Swiss lake paddlewheelers.Switzerland and Italy are adorned with many large lakes, rivers, canals, and access to seas and oceans. Yet, finding reasonably priced housing and workspaces are a challenge. While this is not a solution for many, for a few it provides a environmentally friendly alternative to not only access the region, but make money at it.The concept of a efficient multihull that is alternatively powered by the sun and wind may be the answer. Using a modular platform allows this concept to apply for a AirBNB, vacation home, workspace, or even workshop. The portability gives this concept far reaching possibilities.For South Pacific getaways, simply adding stainless steel legs makes this modular platform into a over-water-villa, completely self-sufficient. Most important, this solution is a low carbon emitting, sustainable habitat that can be self-built, or commercially produced.The efficiency and simplicity of multihulls have been used since the Polynesians used them centuries ago. Fast forward to the future and they are the hallmark of streamlined marine transporation.Adding modularity to the concept gives you a scalable solution for any marine based habitat.The concept of a unsinkable hull with all power and habit above the waterline adds to its low maintenance and operation costs.PROFIT: The methodology of a modular build starts with the concept of a standardized hull design which is bolted together to extend length and beam.Further that concept above decks to easily designed and built carts which perform functionality from workbenches, kitchens, cabinets, and furnature.Design with purpose not only reduces build time, but virtually eliminates maintenance and anything becoming obsolete. Make updates and innovation part of the design and life of the product.The use of eco-friendly transportation and habitat is not only good for the bottom line, but helps reduce our dependency on deplete resources, and can eliminate our footprint compared to conventional power guzzling and land hogging strategies.Reduce moving parts to a minimum, while extending the usefulness and functionality of anything you build, creates a eco-system that enhances your experience aboard.The challenge with any new strategy is merging legacy systems into new ones, which benefits all. Goal: Develop a low cost, easy-to-build, modular multi-hull, that is efficient with a low water plane, low induced drag, lightweight, and can utilize standard formats for low cost outfittingOrganize: Use Filemaker (both computer and iPhone version) to establish data points, plans, supplies, parts, and deployment. That keeps the project organized, and allows you to keep track of flow and identify choke points. Keep a daily log of what gets done, including how goals are being completed, and upcoming strategy. Organizing thoughts streamlines the process, and allows feedback to improve the build. Watch and learn. Review YouTube videos on products and procedures (everything from unboxing to how to glass carbon fiber). The resources available to you prior purchase, or using your valuable time are now available on YouTube for free.Examples:- Standard house grade fuse boxes (tempered for marine environment)- Standard bathoom shower, tub, fixtures (reduce cost)- Standard 2 x 4 ft and 4 x 8 ft plywood (no or low cuts to square off)- Cart mounted modules for kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, workshop, powerDeploy:- Power Cart Station (first item to start since you need power to build) Roll aboard so you can use prior build, during, and after. Mounted on a hand cart for mobility. Charge station tray for digital devices. Extendable mounted LED lights (also use for YouTube). 5 kW inverter (Pure sine wave). Flip up tool caddy. Battery Pack charging station.- Tools Cart: Store, charge, and organize tools. Clear view. Foam lid, rubber band compression hold down. Focus on carbon fiber tool grips to save weight.- Fasteners Cart: Store, categorize, and organize fasteners. Establish Imperial or metric standard. Clear view. Foam lid, rubber band compression hold down.- Laser Cutter Cart: To mark and cut acylic, and wood.- Infrastructure Priority (all build items portable and modular to use land and marine based)(c) Workshop, Power, and Tool Carts (to build modules)(a) Solar Panels and Wind Turbine(d) Square Cut Station(e) Vacuum bagging Station(f) Laser Cutter Cart Station(b) Plumbing(e) Greenhouse Cart Modules (nutrition and sprouts).- Power: 240V AC, 48V DC, 12V DC. All infrastructure and power is high above water level. There is no power or wiring near the water.- Positive Floatation Hull Modular Platform: Won't sink. No bilge issues (and parasitic loads from removing water). Easier to maintain, no seacocks or through hull fittings. Strategy is to move everything above waterline.- Power Strategy: Power Pacs (Power Cart Station). Multiple modular cart mounted solutions for areas of the boat, instead of one central location. Redundancy. Mobile. Substitutable. Upgradable. Keeping PCS smaller allows easy integration, upgrading, and innovation. Might be more expensive initially, but over time, provides a better solution.Details:1. Overall Concept: Strategy, objective, goals, and delivery.Cost effective trimaran. Emphasis is on modular, low cost, high performance, renewable energy, lightweight utilitarian cruising and workboat. The modular aspects allow a quick-change mission reconfiguration. Since parts are modular, components are interchangeable. Unlike traditional boats, the basic structure and layout can be easily customized. Habitat pods will have independent power and lighting, which don’t make them dependent on one house battery system.2. Hull and Structure Design.The trimaran design is configured for low weight, solid (unsinkable) hulls, and wave piercing design. The long thin hulls do not require large amounts of power to move through the water. The hulls are continuous form molded with rolled bubblepack, reinforced with fiber mesh, and can also be integrated with liquid storage, and even configured with materials to make them into a supercapacitor or battery. Hulls are connected by cross members that can be affixed by bolts, lashing fiber, or other mechanical means. Standard hull segment is 2 feet in diameter with a 2 x 4 foot fiber core end plate, all carbon fiber wrapped and vacuum bag expoxied. Segments are attached by epoxy and bolts (permanent), or just bolted together. An outside skin may be applied for appearance, and painted to desired color and design. The main command and habitat is forward, similar to a workboat, but this structure can be forward or aft, depending on mission. Crossmembers connect hulls together and standard composite boards make up the full width decking.Dockboxes, habitat cabins, containers, and other semi-permanent structures may be affixed to composite decking directly. Forward center hull is the anchor station. Stainless steel lifelines are affixed on the perimeter, where a structure is not blocking exit from deck.Any electrical or water delivery conduit is ported above in PVC or sealtite tubing (above waterline).Hull is constructed of modular segments, comprised of roll-formed bubblepack with interlaced electrical storage material/electrolyte, epoxy and reinforcing structure, which is produced on a continuous form weaving/mould machine.3. Propulsion Method and Energy Production, Storage, and Delivery.Propulsion is by electric motor, and delivered to both rotating foils (electric outboard) and fin drive.Stage 1: Two independent stern mounted 180 degree rotating electric outboards.Stage 2: Add fin drive to center ama/pod.Stage 3. Move electric outboards to tug position forward, and one fin drive center mounted propulsion unit on the stern.Stage 4. Optional paddlewheel from the start. Easy to deploy and maintain. See article.Electrical Storage: modular hull components are made into supercapcitors and batteries by roll-forming materials. Electrical Harvesting: Primarily by solar PV panels mounted as roof elements. Secondary by using propulsion in harvesting mode. Third by rotor-bird (whirly bird) wind driven, kite towed, wind turbine generator. Fourth by wind driven kite.Pod Electrical Power: Each pod will have a independent solar and wind turbine driven electrical storage unit (solar generator station) that can delivery 110V and 12V power. Primary solar harvesting is stored in a Lithium ion battery as part of system. Secondary power goes to an ice-maker, air conditioning, or hot water (selectable by software). 4. HVAC, Electronics, and Control.Pod Electrical Power: Each pod will have a independent solar and wind turbine driven electrical storage unit (solar generator station) that can delivery 110V and 12V power. Primary solar harvesting is stored in a Lithium ion battery as part of system. Secondary power goes to an ice-maker, air conditioning, or hot water (selectable by software). 12V: Solar lights, fans, and other small items.48V: Electric Outboard Motors.110V or 240V (115 or 230V nominal): House load.240V: At dock plug-in for charging batteries.240V: Main drive, above decks, with power leak sensors.5. Food Production, Acquisition, Storage, and Preparation.Production: 2x2 carts with HDPE tops on 5 gallon buckets with solar DC air stone air pump water hydroponics. Carts have a inverted T bolt tie-down for in-between deck boards. 4-1-4 (4 tomatoes, one spice, 4 peppers and vegetables) configuration. Same 2x2 hand carts for storage/build/equipment storage. Cushions can be put on some of these storage units for chairs.Acquisition: Most food will be in the form of vacuum bag sealed seeds, which can be further processed as follows:- Sprouts- Greens- Planting seeds- Seeds to Cook: Beans and Rice (from dehydrated or vacuum pack to hydration and cooking)Compare Energy Storage Versus On-Demand: Make as needed, or batch made, frozen, then heated in solar or microwave. Test energy usage comparing batch cook and freeze, then thaw and microwave or solar thermal heat as needed, or prepare fresh every day.Preparation: - Microwave- Solar Box Oven from Solar Vacuum Tubes- Induction Stove Top or single induction cooker (supplement above box oven for peak heat shaving)- Wood Fired Pizza OvenStorage: Two Dometic or equivalent refrigerator/freezer combo, with top loading lid to conserve cool in container.Hot Water: Solar Thermal Vacuum Tubes, and batch tanks. Alternative on-demand with one water input, then redirect over zeolite to heat instantaneously. Zeolite is recharged as needed by solar vacuum oven.6. Kitchen, Habitation Cabins, and Bathroom (crew and guests).Each habitat pod is self-supporting and modular with integral attach points (standardization). Each pod can be customized for floor, wall coverings, etc.Power: Each pod will have a solar panel on top, or connection for solar panel connect access. A Kodiak (or similar) modular energy battery storage and power center will be mounted for DC and AC power access.Lighting: Each pod will have independent lighting.Power Light Bar: Each pod will have a I-beam type power run which contains outlets (USB, 110V, etc.) and lighting mounted at shoulder height. Hook-ons allow cup-holder net for digital device holding. PL Bar is connected to each pod solar generator (e.g. Kodiak). Powerboat keeps all cable runs accessible and in-reach, and easily modified.Solar Bar: Smaller version of PL Bar, 24 inches in width, that can attach to cart or lounge chair. Contains smaller Lithium Ion battery pack, USB plug in charge ports, digital device and drink holder, small solar cell, 2 x 12 volt smaller computer fans. Can easily be moved, and hung on wall cleats. Fully independent unit.Sleep Pod: Convertible sleeper for more room. Each sleep pod has small water supply, with direct exit to water below. Each pod has a solar generator (e.g. Kodiak) for independent power (12V, 110V) and connection to solar panel above. Each pod has black batch solar water heater (either solar vacuum or just black painted tank).Toilet Pod: 12V solar light and 12V solar vent. Composting separation liquid/solid toilet to reduce plumbing. One for each ama.Shower/sink Pod: Each pod has a solar generator (e.g. Kodiak) for independent power (12V, 110V) and connection to solar panel above. Each pod has black batch solar water heater (either solar vacuum or just black painted tank).Kitchen Pod: Food storage, and preparation pod. Countertops are removable HDPE and solid wood (for hot pans or plates). Dual deep stainless steel kitchen sink with gravity foot-pump and foot on-off. Incinerator. Dometic or equivalent fridge/freezer with top loading to save cool energy. Icemaker separate for on-demand ice (top batch making). Induction hot plate for cooking in pans. Instapot pressure cooking. Small rice cooker. Electric teapot. Microwave (compare usage to heat one cup of water). Solar cooking oven with induction backup and ceramic inserts for bread making or pizza.Cart Chair: Mounted on hand cart, each individualized cart has drink holder, small solar battery storage and digital device plug in, and storage mounted under the chair seat. Fully adjustable chair seat height, with lockable tie down for securing to deck with quick-release.Lounge Chair: Mounted on hand cart, each individualized cart has drink holder, small solar battery storage and digital device plug in, and storage mounted under the chair seat. Fully adjustable chair seat height, with lockable tie down for securing to deck with quick-release. Can be also used for short term bed/sleep.Dock Box: Used for seating and storage. Waterproof with tie-downs.Utility Cart 2x2: Hand cart with box structure for housing shop tools, electrical milling devices, etc.7. Build Production.Objective: The overall goal of the ama or hull build, is to automate floatation fabrication as much as possible, and provide a modular section that is easily attached to assemble/fabricate into one larger hull. Traditional hull construction is material over frame, or laying material into a mold in multiple layers that are vacuum bagged. Mould construction is time-consuming and costly, provides an expensive hull, and must have a large number of production units to recover cost. It is also labor-hour intensive. Hull structures tend to be overbuilt, heavy, and more materials equals more cost to the final customer. The goal of the overall project is to separate the hulls, to make them mission specific (i.e. provide flotation and in some cases act as liquid storage or energy storage).The concept of a continuous weaving mold (CWM) incorporates strength bearing materials (as-needed) and specific for the hull. Spools of material feed a loom, which is computer controlled for twist, feed rate, feed material, etc. What is unique about this CWM is that it can perform both a horizontal loom, rope making, and positive material lathe, at the same time. The triplex operation, along with added continuous feed resin, can feed the end product into awaiting plastic for vacuum bagging and curing. With a continuous feed oven, the production can operate continuously, or as needed, with any length desired. Continuous Weaving Mould: Since spooling materials for the loom and be changed on-demand, and on-the-fly, different materials can be incorporated as needed, to form hull strength, shape, support, channels (for Pex piping, electrical runs, etc.) and even for forming a jelly-roll (battery or supercapacitor roll formed storage structure). Using carbon fiber tow, or other strands, single fiber or complex weaves can be incorporated in-situ, for the desired weave. Bubble pack (or other smaller structures) can also be incorporated on-the-fly as a add-on loom module. Bubble pack (or air pack) strands can be made onsite with resin pellets (recycled HDPE, and other materials), heated into film, then vacuumed into a rotary mold that dictates the shape and size of bubble. The purpose of bubble pack is for secure light weight floatation filler.Templates: When the CWM can’t be used, templates are used when needed. Larger sheets of material are waterjet or laser cut, or marked as needed. Mould: Smaller items, like a sink, can be vacuum moulded or material glass molded as needed. While stainless steel would be preferable (for items like a sink), HDPE would be a very low cost option for material, and can be heated and blow or vacuum moulded.Structure: Flat or semi-curved structures made from lightweight honeycomb material, or plywood, can be glassed and vacuum cured. Thin material, such as thin plywood, can be laser cut, and layered up for structure. Between layers can use bubblepack, or foam, similar to SIPS.Deck Structure: Made from UV-tolerant material, made in U shape or similar, to provide structure between hulls. Holes or gaps provide tie-down anchor points. Can be bolted to hulls or hull cross beam, or lashed, as needed. Electric Ship: Eco Ship (pdf) |
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