Power catamaran

M.9 - Solar panel wings and a virtual anchor!

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The M.9 has been developed by Millikan Boats, a company that’s been involved in the development of electro- solar catamarans since 2015. This is a totally self-sufficient weekender that aims to be environmentally friendly. The first notable innovation on this green powercat is its two-sided solar panel wings, which unfold when under way. The seaward-facing photovoltaic cells capture the sun’s reflection from the surface of the water. The unfolded wings increase efficiency by 20%. In total, the solar system is capable of producing 6 kWp, a considerable figure for a catamaran just over 30 feet in length. This significant capacity has motivated the manufacturer to manage the boat using two 16 kWh, thereby limiting the total displacement... as well as the cost. At 6 knots, range is unlimited - during the day, weather permitting.
The M.9 is equipped with an energy output system, enabling the power generated to be fed back into the grid - just as you would with a house. All that remains is to reach an agreement with your homeport...
The second remarkable technological innovation is the car-like control interface. The on-board computer controls all the settings and manages the virtual anchor system: the motors are connected to the GPS position to “hold” the boat without the need drop the real anchor – an act that’s always harmful to the environment. The M.9 is equipped with a 4G card and an external antenna - all connected to a Wi-Fi terminal.
A third point worthy of note: when folded, the solar wings, together with removable glass panels and canvas sections, transform the central part of the powercat into an enclosed space measuring 130 square feet (12 m²), called the deck cabin. The table in the saloon can be lowered, and cushions added, to create a double 4’7” (1.4 m) berth. The interior is cozy and includes a galley. In the hulls, there are two cabins and a heads compartment. The foredeck is fitted with a trampoline, which is lighter than a rigid deck. At the stern, ...

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