Far above us in the sky, spacecraft could soon be using solar sailing technology to travel through space. Scientists envisage large mirrors made of shiny aluminum. Then they imagine them tracking the distant sun, and capturing the pressure of radiation as yacht sails fill with wind.
Solar Sailing Across Open Water
Australian Ocius Technology Limited (previously Solar Sailing Holdings) is using pivotally mounted wing-like sails on boats. These rotate on dual axes to chase the wind or sun.
In this way it harnesses motive and photovoltaic energy, and deploys it according to the skipper’s priorities. The company claims it is increasing ship energy efficiency by up to 40%.
It has had some success. It has four ferries in Hong Kong transporting patrons from the Jockey Club to golf courses on Kai Sai Chau Island. It also laid on a ferry with capacity for 186 passengers during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, .
Solar Sailing on the Sydney Solar Sailor
Ocius operates a smaller version on Sydney harbor. This ferries 100 passengers back and forth in various power modes. It has capability to run on any combination of sun, wind, battery, or diesel. The solar wings of the aptly named ‘Solar Sailor’ use technology to capture wind power and solar electricity simultaneously.
The computer-controlled sails tirelessly track the elements to capture optimum energy of both kinds in a symphony of solar sailing.
In the event the wind becomes too strong, the computer folds the solar sails against the boat for safety. Then the batteries or diesel motor kick in much like a hybrid car.
Everybody wins with designs like this. In solar sailing mode, the only sounds are the whisper of the wind and the waves caressing the hull. There are no greenhouse gas emissions, no water pollution, and no fumes. The company claims this is “possibly the greatest evolution in boats since the advent of steam.” We will allow that. since we think solar sailing boats are a way into the future.
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Preview Image: Artists Impression of a Solar Sail
