From wind turbines to hydrogenerators
The Kitewinder company arrives in the boating world with an original hydrogenerator system. Born in the world of outdoor leisure with a nomadic low-power wind turbine system suspended from a kite, the company has now applied its technology to pleasure boating, unveiling the prototype of its Seawing model, as Oliver Normand, its director, explains: "We launched the nomad wind turbine in 2013, but the market was very small, so we see boating as a bigger outlet. While we're not sailors, we're very keen to listen and develop the product."
A towed hydrogenerator
Whereas all the main hydrogenerators on the market are rigidly fixed to the boat's transom, and immersed just below the hull, the Seawing takes the opposite approach, drawing its inspiration from the mobile wind turbine. Connected to the boat by a cable, the Seawing combines the functions of mechanical linkage and electricity transmission. A wing profile, similar to that used on a trolling line, allows the depth of the hydrogenerator to be adjusted, but also optimizes performance. It weighs less than 4 kilos and can generate up to 600W at 12 or 24V, using a vector-controlled regenerative algorithm.
Olivier Normand explains: "We can play around with the propeller diameter and the electrical regulation mode to optimize performance, and while being in a flow undisturbed by the hull. We're aware of the risk of floating debris, and we'll be able to evolve the design according to the tests we launch with yachtsmen, notably on the Dordogne."
An affordable energy solution for all boaters
The Seawing has set a target price of around ?2,000, well below what is available on the market for fast, top-of-the-range yachts. For Olivier Normand, his solution meets a market need: "The Seawing is compact and easy to use, and above all optimized for boats around 5 to 6 knots, which is the majority of pleasure sailboats. The idea is to be a flagship product for hydrogenerators."
