These
are some of the main components of the 1:20 scale Elizabeth
Swan technology demonstrator, that may double for film work
special effect. She is a 100% zero emission ship, whereas
the IMOs
target for 2030 is
a 40% reduction in GHG emissions as compared to 2008 levels,
rising to 70% by 2050. The Elizabeth Swann is a
clean-sheet-of-paper design, meaning that we did not have to
use an existing hull or deck. That is how we were able to
get such a large deck area, with solar wings that track the
sun. Impossible with existing ship designs. We don't imagine
fleet operators will go for solar power, but hydrogen is
another matter. The Swann is also hydrogen powered. We can
but show what is possible if you are allowed to think
outside the box.
INTERNATIONAL
MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO)
- NET ZERO TARGETS
Under their identified “levels of ambition”, the
IMOs initial Green
House Gas (GHG) strategy envisages, a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping (to reduce
CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least:
40% by
2030, pursuing efforts towards
50% by
2040, and that total annual GHG emissions from international shipping should be reduced by at least
70% by 2050
and then
100%
by 2100 ( compared to
2008 levels)
We
should not be complacent about the looming 2030 target. It
is very easy to put things off; oh it will be okay if we
leave it another couple of years. Somebody else will come up
with the solution. Really! If that was true the EU (Horizon
Europe) and UK would not be pumping billions of Euros
into ZEWT
research. As we have amply demonstrated over more than three
years joining consortiums and making applications for RI
funding, SMEs do not get a look in on the large sums of
money being gifted to large corporations. Hence, the speed
of clean shipping development rests on big shipping concerns
and the universities, who work for those concerns.
We
imagine that huge fines will be imposed, and possibly ship
confiscations in ports, in the event of persistent
offenders. At that point, you can imagine a mad scramble to
buy clean replacements. But, why leave it that late, and why
put your cargo and transport business at risk.
If
we can do it on a shoestring budget, the professionals can
easily change over to zero emission technology. It may even
be cheaper in the long run, with reduced fuel costs. Imagine
that. Goods being delivered for less. It is probable that
once fossil fuels are phased out, cars, homes and factories
will be cheaper to operate. It should represent a giant leap
in the direction of world peace. With food
security next on the list of problems to be solved.
Perhaps, with ZEVs, the oceans will be less
acid, and fish
stocks might slowly recover.

We
used a sheet of aluminium sandwich, with dense foam core,
that is conveniently white on both sides. One 8' x 4' feet
sheet was sufficient. The supplier was amazingly fast in
delivering - should we need any more. Cutting this material
takes a bit of getting used to. You'll need a large worktop
or table. The aluminium is scored multiple times with a
sharp steel blade, as in a Stanley, or other similar make of
knife. It is better to work from one side only. Once through
the first skin. apply downwards pressure to cut through the
interlayer, and score the underside of the other alloy skin.
Then bend, and the sheet will part cleanly. Be careful
though, our tutor cut himself on the sharp alloy edges. And
Stanley knives are very dangerous if misused. Wearing
protective gloves is a good idea.

With
the three main parts cut: 2 x wings and 1 x deck area, we
laid out the solar panels and other electronic and
electrical parts to simulate the position on the completed
model. Most satisfying - it all fits. In fact, the design
had to be modified to allow fitment of standard size 18 volt
solar panels. These are mostly used on cars and mobile homes
to charge laptops and power TVs. The solar panels charge two
lithium batteries, via a charge controller. In this picture
you can also see the motors that rotate the solar wings to
face the sun, and the sensors that measure the angle of
insolation (incoming solar radition), to switch the motors
on and off, as required for tracking purposes. You can also
see the thrusters and speed controllers on the far right.
Fortunately,
our directors were able to stretch to the purchase of the
above components, by way of trustees loans to the
Foundation. In addition, another charitable Trust felt
compelled to provide workshop space and cover the operational
overheads. Lastly, a local model maker agreed to tutor home
schooled students, without charge. This saved the Foundation
approximately £16k. We'll still need to find funding for
transport and events - as part of the ocean and climate
awareness campaign.
We
might be able to modify the stand used for SeaVax
exhibitions - and that will save more money. Imagine the
development cost if this was an MOD
project.

A
view of the main solar harvesting, tracking, and motor
propulsion components, with the vessel cruising toward you.
The nose (or helm) has been modified in design to increase
the solar panel area, and allow for top loading, flight, of
a drone that is capable of rescuing people from the sea. The
model has been slightly extended to 2.4 meters (48 meters
full size) to be able to mount 8 x 18 watt solar
modules.
THE
MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE ELIZABETH SWANN
Hull. The hull of any water vessel is the most
important part of the boat or ship, onto which is attached
the thrusters and rudders or other directional controls. It is the most important part of any design.
Superstructure.
This frame and cabins, provides a structure to attach the
solar wings, camera, lights, and other components of our
model.
Thrusters. The thrusters are electrically or hydraulically powered propellers used to maneuver the vehicle. There are almost always multiple thrusters to provide movement in multiple directions.
Solar
Wings. As this model is powered with free energy from
nature, it is autonomous, not needing shore based charging,
or fossil
fuels. Moveable wings allow the solar panels to change
position to face the sun, so harvesting more free energy
than a ship with fixed deck panels. In addition, having
wings that fold, makes the model, and full size ship, safer
in stormy conditions. Testing in winds will be one of the
group of experiments, in a specially equipped test tank.
Pilot Controls. The surface controls can range from something that looks like the control room for a spaceship to something as simple as a
smartphone, or an Xbox game controller. The surface controls provide a physical interface for the pilot to control the vehicle and a display of feedback from the vehicle including the camera view.
Camera. Since the vehicle travels over the water, and
to be able to record performance or provide media streaming,
we are including an onboard camera, which must be able to provide an image with low-latency.
Lights. The lights provide illumination for the camera
(hence operator) to see in reduced light conditions.