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The power system is one of the key components of the Ferrari Hypersail project. More than just a power supply, it is a comprehensive system designed to power all onboard equipment without relying on a thermal generator. This approach applies equally to sail maneuvers, foil control, hydraulic management, and navigation electronics.
How can you ensure energy self-sufficiency for an offshore foiler?
On a 100-foot foiler, electrical demands increase as the number of automated systems, computers, and flight control systems grows. Ferrari has opted for an all-electric power system powered exclusively by resources available during navigation.
The system generates energy using photovoltaic panels integrated into the deck and sides of the boat, as well as wind turbines installed at the stern. The 800-volt high-voltage batteries then store and redistribute this energy according to the boat?s immediate needs.
This design aims to maintain a constant balance between production, storage, and consumption?a critical factor during long trips when external recharging is not possible.
The Winch by Wire converts the crew's effort into electricity
The main development concerns deck maneuvers with the introduction of the Winch-by-Wire system. Unlike a traditional mechanical winch, the force generated by the crew members is no longer used directly to trim a sail. The force applied to the pedestals drives an electric generator, which immediately feeds this energy into the boat?s electrical system.
The electricity generated is then used to power the electric winches or the hydraulic systems that control the sails.
According to Ferrari, this solution allows team members to maintain a steady pace during grinding, even when workloads increase significantly. The goal is to maintain the efficiency of the electromechanical system while minimizing fluctuations in physical exertion.
The manufacturer states that a single operator can handle loads of up to 9 metric tons.
An electrical architecture designed specifically for controlling the foils
Below deck, power is primarily supplied by the Flight Control System. This system controls the foils, the pendulum keel, and the various appendages needed to keep the monohull airborne.
Engineers distinguish between two types of motion:
- The wide-range adjustments of the foil arms and the keel are powered by a hydraulic system operating at 800 V.
- Quick flap adjustments use 48-volt motors combined with two more compact hydraulic pumps.
This separation minimizes unnecessary power consumption while maintaining response times compatible with controlling a boat that is constantly sailing on its foils. The system operates on several voltage levels ranging from 12 V to 800 V, combined with electronic control units and a network of sensors that monitor the boat?s performance.
Solar and Wind Power Generation: A Balance Between Efficiency and Drag
Electricity generation does not rely on a single source. Ferrari has announced approximately 100 m² of photovoltaic panels integrated directly into the deck. Their placement is based on simulations designed to identify the areas most exposed to solar radiation along the proposed ocean routes.
The panels also feature a non-slip surface to ensure they remain safe for the crew to walk on during maneuvers.
At the stern, three wind turbines supplement this energy production. Their placement was carefully designed to strike a balance between electrical output and minimizing aerodynamic drag when the boat is traveling at high speeds.
Unused energy is stored in two identical high-voltage batteries, which are capable of powering all onboard systems when renewable energy production is insufficient.
