Innovate
Finding the right balance
Our boats have been crossing the world since the age of time, with just the energy of the wind, but today our needs have changed and our boats have lost their sails to other energies, mostly fossil fuels.
It has been difficult to balance environmental needs with the needs of rapid market trends. If you’re on one end of the scale, the other side will look either like an ‘Eco sacrifice’ or an 'indulgence in luxury’.
We believe that with the help of biomimicry, it doesn’t have to be a compromise. We can reach an equilibrium.
The first integral solar sail
As we recreate a circular system for our sailboat Chandeleur, our first energy challenge is to find a way to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the maritime sector. We re-imagined a sail capable of generating solar energy while maintaining its​
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Propulsion performance​
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Durability in the maritime environment
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Compatibility with existing sail manufacturing processes
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From this challenge SolariSails was born. It is a regenerative solar sail that combines modern wind propulsion and the integration of the newest generation of photovoltaic film into an integral membrane structure. SolariSails offer a powerful and elegant alternative to fossil energies.
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We are currently looking for partners for the first 1:1 scale prototype. If you or your business want
to be a part of this 'first of its kind' innovation don't hesitate to contact us to discuss further.
Nature's beauty and wisdom
Inspired by organisms that perform photosynthesis and the flexible yet durable structure of dragonfly wings. the SolariSails, our platinum free, green hydrogen generating solar sail, will propel the ship, provide energy on board and to the coastal communities we will visit around the globe. (add: aesthetics of dragonfly wings.)
Circular system
These sails are designed to be regenerative through positive impact during their life cycle and the ecosystem services they provide and help to develop.
These ecosystem services are provided to the rest of the ship, which itself provides them
to the ecosystems in which we navigate and live
The missing link
The electrical energy generated by this sail will eventually power a hydrogen generator by electrolysis, a major missing link for sustainable and inclusive mobility through which we can develop real solutions, particularly for maritime transport, in order to navigate healthily and sustainably.
In production
The advantage of this system in production is that it is incremented to the current process of manufacturing membrane sails. No crucial modifications in the development phases of the membrane sails or in the materials used are necessary.
Inspired by nature, driven by innovation
Prototype 1:1 dimensions
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Diagonal length: 10 m
LP length: 3 m
Total surface area: 15 sqm
OA film surface area: 12 sqm
Technical breakdown
Photovoltaic film
Translucency of the materials allows the mutualization of light from one sail to another. The great flexibility and ability of these films to perform well in a very wide range of light, makes it possible to generate energy in a great variety of sailing conditions.
Battens
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Load distribution - Structuring and protection of photovoltaic cells
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Aerodynamic optimization - Optimization of energy efficiency
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Controlled flexibility - Enhanced durability
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Structural stabilization through rigidity - Flexibility management
This System incorporates battens for structuring and protecting the photovoltaic films as well as the anti-breakage system of dragonfly wings
Nodus
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Stress distribution - Adaptability to wind forces
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Controlled flexibility - Flexibility under stress
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Mechanical reinforcement - Anti-breakage mechanism
The Curvilinear triangle without film and battens, creates a space allowing for bending and twisting. It
therefore facilitates the installation of the sail and ensures the protection of the films during strong winds.
Wireframe
A second network of reinforcing fiber in the manner of dragonfly wings, this wireframe taking up the Blueprint of dragonfly wing structures is applied and this also serves as a guide for the application of photovoltaic surfaces cut beforehand at points- keys, in order
The second technical phase
In conjunction with various experts in the fields of chemistry, biomimicry and engineering, we are working in parallel on the development of phase 2 of SolariSails. In a systemic vision, the SolariSails will supply the energy necessary for a green hydrogen generator without platinum, which will produce hydrogen on board the boat by electrolysis (The energy provided by the SolariSails will make it possible to take sea water, desalinate it, transform it into hydrogen and then compress it in dedicated hydrogen tanks ).
This development makes it possible to achieve virtuous and clean energy self-sufficiency, both for life on board and the propulsion of small to large vessels. The SolariSails have a fantastic potential not only for leisure boats, but even more in the process of relaunching Maritime transport by Sails. We are opening the doors to a new era, that of not only sustainable mobility, but soon of regenerative mobility, that can be shared with a greater number of people!
Phase 1: Reach
In Phase 2 of SolariSails, the solar sails will be coupled with a new system that we are developing in particular with a team from the CNRS. This will allow in full autonomy to generate green hydrogen on board
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Existing sailboats
In conjunction with various experts in the fields of chemistry, biomimicry and engineering, we are working in parallel on the development of phase 2 of SolariSails. In a systemic vision, the SolariSails will supply the energy necessary.
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New sailboats
In conjunction with various experts in the fields of chemistry, biomimicry and engineering, we are working in parallel on the development of phase 2 of SolariSails. In a systemic vision, the SolariSails will supply the energy necessary.
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Maritime transport
In conjunction with various experts in the fields of chemistry, biomimicry and engineering, we are working in parallel on the development of phase 2 of SolariSails. In a systemic vision, the SolariSails will supply the energy necessary.
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Phase 2: Automic system
In Phase 2 of SolariSails, the solar sails will be coupled with a new system that we are developing in particular with a team from the CNRS. This will allow in full autonomy to generate green hydrogen on board without platinum, and therefore reach a completely autonomous and virtuous system for the entire propulsion and life on board our vessels.