AGH UST students build boat powered by solar panels

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The students of the AGH University of Science and Technology, within the framework of the project “AGH Solar Boat”, are building a boat powered by solar panels, and they are also planning to take part in the prestigious competition Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup 2016. It is the first project of this type in the history of the university, which combines renewable sources of energy with maritime transport. 

 

The AGH Solar Boat Team gathers the members of two organisations: the AGH UST Academic Sailing Club and the Student Special Interest Group “Eko-Energia” at the Faculty of Energy and Fuels. Combing scientific experience with a passion for sailing, the AGH UST students are building a solar boat fully powered solar energy. The team are also planning to take part in an international competition which will take place in Monte Carlo in July 2016.   

 

The team comprises four sections (construction, electrical, financial, and promotional). The project is fully monitored by its coordinators: Agata Halińska and Anna Popiołek. The supervisors of the team are Krzysztof Sornek, MSc, of the Department of Sustainable Energy Development at the AGH UST Faculty of Energy and Fuels, and Wojciech Sajdak, MSc, of the Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals.  

 

A boat powered by solar energy is a serious construction challenge. Its success at Solar1 will depend on a number of complex factors. Among them, the most important one is the reduction of hydrodynamic resistance, i.e. a maximum reduction of the draught of the hull. Therefore, the boat will be equipped with hydrowings, whose main function will be the production of aerodynamic lift which will elevate the hull.   

 

Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup is an international championship of boats powered by solar energy. This year, it will take place for the third time. The event has been established bearing in mind the development of renewable energy sources and the promotion of innovative activity in this field.   

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