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At the end of September, acceptance tests were carried out for the prototype of a “solar ferry” intended for the Bydgoszcz Municipal Transport Company (Miejskie Zak³ady Komunikacyjne). The unit, to be called S£ONECZNIK, is the first in Poland (and possibly in Europe) passenger inland waterway vessel with solar panels and batteries as the basic propulsion power source.
Four solar panel sections have been integrated with the top of superstructure. The cell generated energy is stored in two drive accumulator battery units of capacity sufficient for some 10 hours of voyage with economical speed. Two motors driving, through Z type gear, independent azimuthal screw propellers ensure maximum vessel’s speed of 12 km/h and considerable manoeuvrability. Additionally, the vessel is provided with an electric bow thruster. The main drive supply and control systems as well as alarm and safety systems are components of particular importance.
The vessel, carrying up to 30 passengers, will be operated as a water tram within Bydgoszcz Waterways System.
The vessel has been designed by the company YACHT CONCEPT GAWLOWSKI, which has already delivered solar powered boats to Clients in Germany.
The vessel construction was based on the PRS Rules for the Classification and Construction of Inland Waterways Vessels. It covered also compliance with selected EU Directives concerning inland waterway vessels.
Basic particulars of the unit:
| Length overall |
13,46 m |
| Breadth |
3,07 m |
| Draught |
0,41 m /0,46 m (with 30 persons) |
| Solar power generator |
4,950 W |
| Maximum speed |
12 km/h |
| Motors |
2x8kW/48 V |
| Operational time |
10 h navigation/ day with a speed of 6 km/h |
| Thruster |
Bow type |
| Superstructure |
Slow-burning LPS, 6 spacious (lateral) windows |
| Equipment |
Video-color cameras, radio/ CD player, GPS, compass, echosounder.
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At present, construction of a sister vessel proceeds, where experience from the prototype construction will be utilized.
Opr. M. Narewski
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BIP
