Airhull lets electric boats glide on a layer of air

The Norwegian boat start-up Pascal Technologies wants to equip two of its electric boats with Airhull technology. The boats Nabcrew Zero AirBlue 1240 and Hugin DC will be able to glide on a layer of air. The technology lifts the hull of the boat out of the water when underway, thereby reducing drag – thus increasing efficiency and requiring less energy to operate the boat. Airhull should be easier to implement than hydrofoil technology, which also lifts a boat out of the water.

Electric boats have to be very economical with their energy to achieve a decent range. This is usually achieved by minimizing the resistance of the hull in the water. Hydrofoil boats use hydrofoils underwater to lift the hull of the boat out of the water. However, the hydrofoils have to be adjustable, which makes the technology more complex.

Pascal Technologies promises to be able to achieve a similar effect with Airhull. Up to 50 percent of a boat's energy consumption can be saved in this way.

The hull of an Airhull boat has a kind of comb on the underside around the outer edge. This creates a hollow space under the boat across the entire hull, which is filled with water when the boat is stationary. At the stern, there is a controllable flap that gradually closes the cavity at the rear end as required. A blower at the bow pumps air into this cavity, creating a pressure that lifts the boat about 15 to 20 cm out of the water when the boat is moving. The hull is then no longer in full contact with the water. This reduces water resistance and energy consumption. The pump and the rear flap are controlled automatically depending on the situation to achieve the best performance, promises Pascal Technologies in an explanation of the system. The technology is said to be suitable for boats from 6 m to 30 m in length.

Boats with Airhull technology

Airhull is to be used in the Nabcbrew Zero AirBlue 1240, a 12 m long workboat that can transport up to eight passengers to aquaculture facilities. The boat is expected to reach speeds of between 20 and 25 knots (around 37 to 46 km/h) and achieve a range of 40 nautical miles (around 74 km). The fast-charging batteries have a capacity of 378 kWh.

Airhull technology will also be used in the Hugin DC. The electrically powered leisure boat in a classic wooden design is 9.15 m long and is powered by two electric motors from Rim Drive Technologies, which operate with 48-volt technology. The cruising speed is said to be around 12 knots (approx. 22 km/h). The company has not provided any information on the range.

The Nacbrew Zero Airblue 1240 and the Hugin DC are due to be launched later this year. Prices have not yet been communicated.

(olb)