Malo Vitra
Student project of the association - 2022/2023
Adria Energy Boat Class
Adria Energy Boat Class is a research project involving students, engineers and researchers who, with these considerations, are moving towards expanding knowledge about the use of sustainable propulsion systems in the context of mobility and the implementation of renewable sources in the maritime sector.
Malo Vitra
Recently, the team developed its new vessel called "Malo vitra". It is a prototype racing catamaran powered by renewable energy sources via solar cells without the use of CO2 that supplies the outboard electric motor.
Vessel construction
The cockpit was made in vacuum infusion in a mold produced by the company Marservis d.o.o. from Kaštelir with a basic laminate plan of 2 layers of carbon 200 g/m2 roving and epoxy resin, while the bottom and winding reinforced with sandwich core construction Soric XF 135 g/m2, and 2 layers were added locally inside the driver's compartment and the battery. 8 layers have been added in the area of the cockpit abutment on carbon tubes, while the driver's bulkhead, mirror and outer decks are sandwiched with the same carbon fibers and a 10 mm core made of AIREX T92 PET, which they recycled from previous vessels. The deck is made of only 2 layers of carbon fiber and is stiffened locally with a core of Sorica in the pilot and battery housing area. The forward part of the deck and hull is glued with structural with methacrylate-based glue, while the back part is screwed to the aluminum frame with the corresponding one with a seal that is glued to the hull joint in the area where the battery and other associated electronics are located.
The stiffest part of the vessel is a sandwich construction of the motor support with a thickness of 25 mm made of PVC core 200 g/m3 with 2 layers of carbon fiber on the inside and outside of the same grammage as the hull that is subsequently glued with transom structural adhesive.
Drive system
The propulsion system is based on a mix of currently available sustainable technologies.
Solar panels
9S high-efficiency photovoltaic monocrystalline panels with a total area of 2.1 m2.
Battery
E-propulsion LiFePo4 battery pack E175 with a total capacity of 9 kWh.
Propulsion
E-propulsion Navy outboard engine with a total power of 6 kW that works on 48V.
Vessel parameters
The weight of the cockpit is 32 kg. The total weight of the vessel with all equipment is 246 kg without the hulls, which weighed 60 kg.
Speed
Maximum speed of 11.8 knots.
Custom propeller
The propeller was independently designed and made by additive printing technology in a combination of carbon fiber and nylon in 100% filling, with which the vessel managed to reach a speed of 11.8 knots.
Adria Energy Boat Class - results
This year, the team from Rijeka reached the podium in the most demanding endurance race, where they won 3rd place, while they achieved 5th place in the slalom race and the elimination race, which made them close to the podium in 4th place. 13 teams from all over the world took part in the competition, and their placement is also the best result of this young team.
