THERMAL ENERGY POWERED EXOSKELETON CATAMARAN

Abstract

Sun heats dark continents more than reflective oceans. Air moves onshore from high pressure to low. Creating wind: powering weather and storms - “hurricane-in-a-box-on-water” principles producing electricity in a marine vessel, providing Green Technology for Marine Transportation. Captured and recovered heat, offset by loss of heat, creates differential pressure conditions across multiple rotary engines. Night and day, a working fluid moves from high pressure to low; powering alternators, batteries, domestics, and in-hull electric drive trains, in a unique, lightweight exoskeleton dome shell design vessel. Disclosed vessel design advantages include: high energy collection and living space to vessel length ratio; high strength to weight ratio; high carrying capacity, downwind sailing while producing electricity; modular fabrication and shipping; and sustained hull speed in a vessel harvesting energy from the environment. The longer the vessel: the more it carries: the greater the hull speed: the faster it goes.

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14. A multi-hulled aquatic vessel comprising: a plurality of hulls; and a dual-walled superstructure spanning the plurality of hulls, wherein the dual-walled superstructure is shaped as a truncated icosahedron; wherein the dual-walled superstructure includes a lower edge that is attached to an upper edge of each outer hull of the plurality of hulls to collectively provide an exoskeleton for the vessel and to collectively provide a shared interior space to the vessel.

15. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 14, wherein the dual-walled superstructure is configured for energy capture, conversion, and/or recovery to generate electricity.

16. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 15, further comprising an electric motor and drivetrain configured to be powered by the electricity generated by the dual-walled superstructure.

17. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 16, wherein the dual-walled superstructure, the electric motor, and the drivetrain are configured to exceed a cruising speed for the vessel.

18. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 15, further comprising an appliance disposed at the interior space and configured to be powered by the electricity generated by the dual-walled superstructure.

19. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 15, further comprising a battery disposed at the interior space and configured to be charged by the electricity generated by the dual-walled superstructure.

20. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 19, wherein energy to move the vessel is proportional to a length of the vessel at the waterline and wherein the energy capture, conversion, and/or recovery is proportional to a surface area of the dual-walled superstructure, which is proportional to a square of the length of the vessel at the waterline.

21. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 15, further comprising a dual-fluid heat loop including: a first fluid loop within the dual-walled superstructure to convert heat captured by the dual-walled superstructure into electricity; and a second fluid loop extending between the dual-walled superstructure and a heat sink to provide cooling to the first fluid loop.

22. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 15, further comprising a heat-transfer loop assembly extending between: a heat source that includes dual-walled superstructure; and a heat sink that includes fluid around or within a hull of the plurality of hulls.

23. A multi-hulled aquatic vessel comprising: a plurality of hulls; and a modular superstructure spanning the plurality of hulls; wherein the modular superstructure includes a lower edge that is attached to an upper edge of each outer hull of the plurality of hulls to collectively provide a shared interior space to the vessel.

24. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 23, wherein modular superstructure is configured for mobility.

25. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 24, wherein the modular superstructure includes a module that is movable into a position that provides a sail surface to the vessel.

26. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 24, wherein the modular superstructure includes a module that is movable to open the modular superstructure to capture wind for downwind sailing.

27. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 24, wherein the modular superstructure is configured to maintain a cruising speed for the vessel.

28. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 24, further comprising a battery disposed at the interior space and configured to be charged by the electricity generated by the modular superstructure.

29. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 28, wherein energy to move the vessel is proportional to a length of the vessel at the waterline and wherein energy capture, conversion, and/or recovery is proportional to a surface area of the modular superstructure, which is proportional to a square of the length of the vessel at the waterline.

30. The multi-hulled aquatic vessel of claim 24, wherein the modular superstructure includes a panel and frame joined by a fastener, the fastener including: a flanged, internally threaded nut, extending through holes in the panel and the frame, wherein an air gap exists between the nut and the panel; a dielectric washer sealing the nut to the frame; and a bolt mated to the nut, wherein the bolt includes a head with a dished interior that contains a dielectric sealing insert that secures the panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example catamaran.

[0048] FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of the example catamaran of FIG. 1 with additional features

[0049] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example hexagonal sealed modular heat collector.

[0050] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an example pentagonal sealed modular heat collector.

[0051] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the inside of the example hexagonal sealed modular heat collector of FIG. 3.

[0052] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section of the example sealed modular heat collector of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4.

[0053] FIG. 7 depicts an example joint used to connect a plurality of the example sealed modular heat collectors of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0054] FIG. 8 depicts a water loop and a gas loop.

[0055] FIG. 9 depicts a water loop and a fridge loop.

[0056] FIG. 10 depicts a residual water heat extraction loop.

[0057] FIG. 11 depicts a main engine heat extraction loop.

[0058] FIG. 12 depicts an example rotary engine.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a side schematic view of an example catamaran.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an electrolysis/corrosion resistant fastener.

[0061] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of an example catamaran (FIG. 1) with additional features when sailing downwind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] This disclosure provides an aquatic vessel which sustains hull speed powered by energy it harvests from the environment.

[0063] Aquatic vessels are buoyant because they displace more water than they weigh. When they move, they push against the water, putting up a wave at the bow. When they move, they also drag on the water, pulling up a wave at the stem. When the wavelength of the bow wave is equal to the length of the wetted surface of the boat at the waterline, the boat has reached hull speed. Hull speed is the fastest speed the boat can attain before having to climb up its own bow wave. Cruising speed is maintained while the boat sits level in its bow and stern waves.

[0064] Hull speed is directly related to the length of wetted surface of the vessel at the waterline. That length; and therefore, hull speed, is greater for a multi-hulled vessel than a mono-hulled vessel - two hulls have a longer wetted surface than one. Or alternately, for a boat of a given length, it requires less energy to sustain hull speed in a multi-hull vessel than a mono-hulled (single hull) vessel. Therefore, a multi-hulled vessel is presented here.

[0065] Wetted length and hull speed are directly related to the amplitude of the bow and stern waves the boat sits between. For a boat of a given length and displacement, the less the boat weighs, the less the wave amplitude, the less energy required to sustain hull speed. Therefore, this disclosure presents a multi-hulled vessel of exoskeleton design that weighs less.

[0066] As a preliminary matter, a gas may be atmospheric air in composition, it may hold moisture, or it may be another gas, vapor or the like. Similarly, water is used herein to denote fresh water, rainwater, sea water, a mix of water and glycol, or a mix of water and another liquid. Thus, a working gas may be any suitable gas with or without moisture content, and water may be taken to mean any liquid that includes some water.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, a vessel 100 is shown generally. The vessel 100 includes a dual-walled modular dome 104 supported on the plurality of hulls 102 (Vakas) that are joined by a bridge 105 (Aka). An electric motor with a propeller 106 is provided to each hull 102 to provide motive power to the vessel 100.

[0068] FIG. 1. The outer walls 210 in combination with structural frame members of the dome modules 108 collectively provide an exoskeleton for the vessel 100. An exoskeleton may provide rigidity and structural integrity, and protection from the elements, to the vessel 100.

[0069] FIG. 1. Each dome module 108 may have a planar structure with a perimeter in the shape of a pentagon or hexagon. The planar structure of the dome modules 108 allows same perimeter shape modules to be easily stacked after production or during storage periods thereby saving much space.

[0070] FIG. 1. The dome modules 108 may be arranged in a truncated icosahedrons pattern that ultimately defines the dome 104. The arrangement of dome modules 108 may therefore create a dome-like surface, in the same manner that a soccer-ball is formed from joined hexagonal and pentagonal elements. Further, the dome modules 108 may be replaced with relative ease due to their modularity and structural integrity maintenance of the dome 104 when the dome modules 108 are connected to each other.

[0071] FIGS. 1, 2, 15. The dome 104 as formed by modules 108 may be considered an exoskeleton that provides a degree of rigidity to the vessel 100 against the forces of the sea transmitted through the hulls 102. Due to its approximately hemispherical shape, the dome 104 further provides a streamlined profile against the wind, so that the wind does not undesirably influence navigation, while providing the ability to capture the wind when travelling downwind. The dome 104 may also provide lift when sailing, granting the vessel 100 speeds in excess of hull speed.

[0072] Addendum. Each hull is 0.125 to 0.175 as wide at the waterline as the hulls are long, and the ratio of waterline length to hull center-to-center distance, is between 2.0 and 2.4, which has been found to be most effective when balancing vessel lateral and longitudinal stability. Narrow hulls closer together go faster, but the vessel is more inclined to roll in exceptionally rough seas. Wide hulls farther apart carry more, but the vessel is more inclined to flip end over end in exceptionally rough seas.

[0073] FIGS. 1, 2, 15. A dome module 108 may provide functionality other than heat collection, such as storage, physical access (e.g., a door or hatch), ventilation, and sail surface.

[0074] FIG. 2. The dual-walled modular dome 104 may be formed from an assembly of modules 108. Each module may include an inner wall 212 and an outer wall 210. In each module 108, the space between inner and transparent outer walls 212, 210 may contain modular heat collectors to capture heat from the environment, and a rotary engine and alternator to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, used to drive the propellers 106 to move the vessel 100 and provide for domestic services on the vessel 100. Batteries may be provided to store electrical power generated.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 2, a dome module 108A may be removable with respect to the dome 104 without affecting the structural integrity of the dome 104. Spare dome modules 108 or dome modules 108 with different or enhanced functionality may also easily be stored on the vessel 100.

[0076] FIG. 2. The inner walls 212 of the dome modules 108 collectively create an interior living space for the vessel 100. The inner dome of the vessel may have a radius of 1.5 times the height of a human 107.

[0077] FIG. 2. A dome module 108 may include a hatch 208 to provide fresh air, egress, or release excess heat from inside the dome 104.

[0078] FIG. 2. A dome module 108B may be hinged to an adjacent module or aka deck to act as a door to allow access to the interior space 112.

[0079] FIGS. 2, 15. A dome module 108C, 108A, may be hinged to an adjacent module to allow the module to be moveable with respect to the dome 104 to extend outwards from the surface of the dome 104 to provide sail surface.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 15, with aft (rear) modules 108D, 108E open, the inner dome becomes a sail, permitting the vessel to sail downwind. Modules (108A or 108C) folded out to face the wind, may be operated by 3 dimensional hydraulics, increase sail surface area. Inner module hatches 1501 fore (up front), may be used to vent excess wind. Dagger boards 1502, which may be raised when not in use, may be used to aid stability. Aft facing modules near the top of the dome 108E may be used as a spoiler, to aid stability when sailing downwind.

[0081] With ref to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, the vessel 100 may further include flexible connector membranes 114 to provide fluid-barrier connections among the outer walls 210 of the modules 108. The flexible connector membranes 114 may vary in shape, size and material, typically however being formed of a flexible and water resistant or waterproof material so as to prevent rain or other sources of water from making its way inside the dome 104; even where they hinge to provide access.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible connector members 114 between dome modules 108 may act as localized troughs that are concave with respect to the generally convex dome 104. The flexible connector members 114 may allow rainwater that impinges on the dome 104 to be collected and stored for later use.

[0083] FIG. 7. The dome modules 108 may have hinged connections 702 to form the overall structure of the dome 104. An inner edge of each unit or collector module 108 may also securely connect to a hull 102, bridge 105, or deck of the vessel 100. Note that, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the deck is inside the dome 104.

[0084] With reference to FIG. 13, each propeller 106 may be located at about ⅝ths of hull waterline length, as measured from the bow (front). This has been found by mathematical equation to be an effective point of application for forward thrust, as may be termed the center of effort CE. CE is located where the vessel is inclined to stay level between bow and stern waves. The center of the dome 104 may be located along the hull length between the centre of effort CE and center of buoyancy CB to establish the center of weight CW, where it just provides lift at the bow, in an effort to cheat (excel) hull speed.

[0085] Addendum to FIG. 13. The batteries used to store electrical generated as discussed herein act as ballast for the vessel 100. A battery may be positioned to help balance center of weight CW to centre of buoyancy CB and center of effort CE.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, a sealed dome module 108 containing a modular heat collection system is shown generally. The sealed heat collector module 108 includes a frame 308 defining an interior gas volume 304 in the frame 308, and a liquid volume 306 within members of the frame through which water or similar liquid may be stored and/or made to flow at the frame 308. That is, the module 108 may be made of structural members that form the frame 308 and some or all of those members may be hollow to allow the containment and flow of liquid. At the same time, the interior volume bounded by the frame 308 may be used to contain gas, such as air.

[0087] The frame 308 may have a planar structure with a perimeter shaped as a hexagon. The frame 308 may be made of aluminum or a similar lightweight material. The frame 308 may further include connectors, hinges, or other attachment structure to allow for easy removal and substitution of the module 108.

[0088] The module 108 may further include opposing inner and transparent outer panels 302 (see also FIGS. , 6 and 7) to cooperate with the frame 308 to seal the interior volume 304 from the environment. The opposing panels 302 may be quadrilateral in shape and may be made from polycarbonate, or multi-celled polycarbonate, or a similar transparent/translucent, strong, and lightweight material. The opposing panels 302 may be fixed in place by fasteners (see FIG. 14) that resist electrolysis/corrosion and may be replaceable.

[0089] The sealed heat collector module 108 may further comprise a hatch 208 to release the excess heat from a particular sealed heat collector module 108. The hatch 208 may be attached to an inner frame 310 with a hinge, or it may be fit in place and able to be pulled out of the inner frame 310.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, a frame 408 may comprise a planar structure with a perimeter shaped as a pentagon. This enables the pentagonal dome modules 108 to be arranged with the hexagonal dome modules 108 in an icosahedron dome structure. The planar structure of the dome modules 108 may allow for dome modules 108 with a pentagonal perimeter shape to be easily stacked together after production, during transport, or during storage periods thereby saving much space.

[0091] The dome modules 108 that are shaped as pentagons may possess substantially the same internal components, functional characteristics or features as those sealed heat collector modules 108 shaped as hexagons. Hexagons and pentagons are just several example module shapes and, in other examples, other shapes may be used.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 5, a sealed heat collector module 108 includes a gas conduit 508 and a plurality of mirrors 510 to concentrate thermal energy onto the gas conduit 508. The gas conduit 508 may include an inlet 516 for gas to enter the gas conduit 508 and an outlet 518 for gas to leave the gas conduit 508. The inlet 516 and outlet 518 may be connected to the inner frame 310, which may include a hollow member that defines a gas volume. The gas conduit 508 may include a one-way valve 515 located at a suitable position along its length. As such, gas may flow in a closed loop through the gas conduit 508 from the inner frame 310, past the mirrors 510, to an engine 806 that is driven by the gas, and then back to the inner frame 310.

[0093] The engine 806 may be provided in the heat collector module 108 and may operate to convert gas heated by energy collected by the mirrors 510 into mechanical energy. The engine 806 is connected to an exhaust chamber 810 to receive fluid outputted from the engine 806. The exhaust chamber 810 may be cooled by a liquid coil 808. The engine 806 is further connected to an alternator 812 to generate electrical power from rotation of the engine 806. The engine 806 may be a rotary engine, such as that shown in FIG. 12.

[0094] The mirrors 510 are to collect solar energy and concentrate it at the gas conduit 508, or heat sinks along the conduit. As such, the mirrors 510 should be as large as practical to permit optimum collection surface area, and to permit transfer of heat to water or glycol filled hollow perimeter frame members. The mirrors 510 may be parabolic. Parabolic mirrors are very effective at concentrating solar thermal energy to a focussed point. The mirrors 510, and any parabolic mirrors, may be made of any sturdy material suitable for reflecting light or solar thermal energy, such as a polished metal (e.g., stainless steel), metallized plastic, or similar.

[0095] Metal components within the module, such as the mirrors 510, frames 308, 318, and so on, may be in physical contact so as to conduct thermal energy to a desired location, heat sink, or heat storage.

[0096] A portion of the gas conduit 508 within the volume 304 may be shaped as a spiral. This spiral configuration provides the advantage of the gas in the gas conduit 508 being heated over a relatively long distance despite the sealed heat collector module 108 being relatively compact in size. Restrictions in the conduit force the gas through a small opening, increasing pressure and temperature.

[0097] A sealed heat collector module 108 may have a generally rigid structure. The engine 806, alternator 812, and exhaust chamber 810 may be rigidly connected to each other for efficient power transfer. The assembly of the engine 806, alternator 812, and exhaust chamber 810 can be secured to the frame of the module 108 by a cushioned or resilient support (e.g., rubber washers) so that the assembly may “float” within the heat collector module 108 to isolate the assembly from external stresses, such as forces acting on the dome. Connections into the sealed heat collector module 108 may be by way of relatively flexible conduits and wires.

[0098] The liquid volume 306 may include an inlet for liquid 512, such as water, to enter the liquid volume 306 and an outlet for liquid 514 to leave the liquid volume 306.

[0099] Connectors 520, 522 may be attached to the frame 308 of the module 108 to provide fluid communication between the liquid volume 306 in the frame 308 and, for example, another liquid volume 306 at another module 108. As such, the liquid volumes 306 of different modules 108 may be connected to provide for liquid flow within the dome 104.

[0100] Connectors 524, 526 may be provided to the liquid coil 808 to provide fluid communication between the liquid coil 808 and a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger with the ocean or other body of water, a refrigerator on board the vessel, or similar.

[0101] The connectors 520, 522, 524, 526 allow for the module 108 to be to share fluid and/or communicate fluid with a common heat exchanger.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-section of a sealed heat collector module 108 is shown. Opposing panels 302 are depicted enclosing volume 304. Gas conduit 508, a mirror 510, and a heat-exchanging portion 604 of the gas conduit 508 are depicted within volume 304. Frame 308 is also depicted having a hollow cross-section, inside of which a liquid volume 306 is also shown.

[0103] The gas conduit 508 may run under the mirror 510 and extend through the mirror 510 (via a pair of holes) to provide the heat-exchanging portion 604. The heat-exchanging portion 604 of the gas conduit 508 may be positioned at or near the focal point of the mirror 510. The heat-exchanging portion 604 may be shaped to receive heat input from the mirror 510, such as from solar radiation 610 that enters the volume 304 through a panel 302 and that may be reflected by the mirror 510. The heat-exchanging portion 604 may have any suitable heat-collecting shape, such as a loop, coil, flattened portion, ribbed portion, kettle-like volume, or similar. The heat-exchanging portion 604 may be made of copper or a similar material suitable for conducting heat to the gas within.

[0104] The frame 308 may include a box tube section 606 and angle sections 608. The angle sections 608 may be attached to the top and bottom of box tube section 606 to offset the panels 302 from the box tube section 606. The box tube section 606 may contain the liquid volume 306 and the angle sections 608 may provide distance between the box tube section 606 and the panels 302.

[0105] Electrolysis/corrosion resistant fasteners, such as that depicted in FIG. 14, may be used to attach the panels 302 to the frame 308, such as to the angle sections 608.

[0106] A modular unit that is not configured as a heat collector may be similar in structure to the modular heat collectors shown in FIGS. , 4, 5, and 6, except that components internal to the opposing panels 302 and frame 308 may be omitted or different. For example, a modular unit used as a sail surface may include a frame 308 and one or both panels 302 and otherwise be empty. A modular unit used for storage may have panels 302 that are opaque and sufficiently stiffened to hold gear. A modular unit used as a door may have handles, a latch, and a lock included.

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 7, a joint assembly 700 is shown generally.

[0108] The joint assembly 700 attaches two adjacent modules 108 at respective edges. The joint assembly 700 includes a pivot joint 702 which may include circular sections attached to each module 108. A pin may be run through the circular sections to form a hinge.

[0109] An upper flexible connector membrane 114 may span an upper gap between the frames 308 of the modules 108. The upper flexible connector membrane 114 may be shaped to form a trough to collect rainwater and direct it to a particular area of the dome 104. The dome 104 may thus collect rainwater.

[0110] A lower flexible connector membrane 704 may span a lower gap between the frames 308 of the modules 108.

[0111] The upper and lower flexible connector membranes 114, 708 may be made of flexible plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber, or similar material.

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 8, a dual-fluid heat loop 800 is shown generally. The dual-fluid heat loop 800 is shown in a hexagonal heat-collecting module 108. However, it should be understood that the dual-fluid heat loop 800 may be provided in other modules.

[0113] The dual-fluid heat loop 800 includes a closed liquid loop 802 and a closed gas loop that includes a gas conduit 508. The closed gas loop uses an engine 806 to extract energy from heat collected by the module 108. The closed liquid loop 802 increases a temperature different experienced by the engine 806.

[0114] The closed gas loop includes a gas conduit 508 in thermal proximity to mirrors 510, an engine 806, an exhaust chamber 810, and a check valve 515 or similar one-way valve to control gas flow to be in one direction.

[0115] The closed liquid loop 802 includes a first coil 808 thermally coupled to the exhaust chamber 810 and a second coil 814. The first coil 808 may wrapped around the exhaust chamber 810 or provided inside the exhaust chamber 810. The second coil 814 may be positioned to indirectly or directly thermally interact with the body of water on which the vessel travels. For example, the second coil 814 may be located at a cold side of domestic refrigerator at the vessel, where the domestic refrigerator is in thermal interaction with the body of water. In other examples, the second coil 814 may directly thermally interact with the body of water, such that the second coil 814 may be in direct contact with water of the body of water. For example, the second coil 814 may be immersed in the body of water. The closed liquid loop 802 may include a pump 818 to force circulation of the liquid therein.

[0116] Gas in the closed gas loop is heated at the gas conduit 508 by, for example, heat from the mirrors, and drives the engine 806 to rotate to drive an alternator 812 to produce electrical power. Liquid is circulated through the closed liquid loop 802 to cool the gas at the exhaust chamber 810 as it leaves the engine 806, so as to increase the temperature/pressure differential on which the engine 806 operates. Electrical power produced by the alternator 812 may be stored in batteries 816 to be used as vessel motive power or for domestic appliances. Thus, the dual-fluid heat loop 800 may be used to both power the vessel 100 and provide for other electrical needs for the vessel 100.

[0117] It is contemplated that the volume and/or cross-sectional area of the exhaust chamber 810 is selected to have a specific relationship to the volume and/or cross-sectional area of the gas loop formed by the conduit 508, so that draw through the loop and engine 806 is encouraged. The principles taught by Rumford concerning fireplaces can be applied.

[0118] Referring now to FIG. 9, at least one of the plurality of hulls 102 may contain a refrigeration loop 902 to create a refrigerated environment 904 the hull 102.

[0119] The refrigerated environment 904 may include a compressor 906, an expansion valve 908, and a dryer 910. The refrigerated environment 904 may serve as a traditional refrigerator for domestic purposes and may further provide cooling to a closed liquid loop 802.

[0120] In operation, cold water from around the hull 102 may be used to cool refrigerant that is circuited through the compressor 906, expansion valve 908, and dryer 910. A portion of the closed liquid loop 802, such as a coil thereof, may be located in the refrigerated environment 904 to cool the liquid flowing in the closed liquid loop 802. As such, the refrigeration loop 902, cold water from around the hull 102, and the closed liquid loop 802 may cooperate to increase cooling at the exhaust of the engine 806.

[0121] Referring now to FIG. 10, an engine 1004 may be connected to the frame 308 to be driven by heated liquid/gas 306 from within a box tube section 606. An exhaust chamber 1006 may be further connected to the engine 1004. The exhaust chamber 1006 may be in fluid communication with a cooled liquid volume 1002, in a closed system outside the module. The cooled liquid volume 1002 may be supplied by collected rainwater, such as may be collected by connector membranes 114. An alternator 1008 may also be connected to the engine 1004 to convert mechanical energy generated by the engine 1004 to electrical energy that may be stored in a battery 1010.

[0122] A one-way valve 1012 may be provided to ensure circulation of heated liquid/gas is in the correct direction.

[0123] Referring now to FIG. 11, heat harvested from the batteries and electric motor and drivetrain 1102 that mobilizes the vessel 100 may also be convertible to electricity and stored in a battery 1112.

[0124] The electric drive motor 1102 that propels the vessel may be substantially surrounded by a fluid coil 1114 that is connected to a heat recovery engine 1104. The heat recovery engine 1104 may be connected to a heat recovery exhaust chamber 1106 and an alternator 1110.

[0125] Heated gas from the gas coil 1114 may drive the heat recovery engine 1104 to be converted into electricity by the alternator 1110 before being stored in a battery 1112.

[0126] The heat recovery exhaust 1106 of heat recovery engine 1104 may be substantially surrounded by a refrigerant coil 1108. The refrigerant coil 1108 may be a portion of a water loop 1110 that is in thermal communication with a body of water or the inside of a hull 102 of the vessel 100.

[0127] Cooled gas from the heat recovery engine exhaust may drive the heat recovery engine 1104 to be converted into electricity before being stored in a battery 1112.

[0128] Thus, heat extracted from the batteries and a motor 1102 of the vessel 100 may also be convertible to electricity and stored in a battery 1112 to recover energy that may otherwise be lost.

[0129] FIG. 12 shows an example rotary engine 1200 that may be used as any of the energy extracting engines discussed herein, such as the engines provided to the vessel 100

[0130] The engine 1200 includes a housing 1202 that contains an array of twisted rotors 1204 arranged in a parallel to one another. Each rotor 1204 may turn on a shaft 1206 and the rotors 1204 may all be identical in shape and complementary in orientation. A portion of the housing 1202 is omitted from view for sake of explanation.

[0131] The rotors 1204 are helically shaped and have lens-shaped cross sections to form the walls of working volumes, which move axially from one end of the array to the other end in response to synchronized rotor rotation caused by a gas pressure differential. The pitch of the helical shape may increase along the length of a rotor 1204 in the direction of gas flow (right to left in the figure). Thus, the working volumes may increase in volume during their travel. The rotors 1204 do not touch one another, which may avoid wear and friction. Gaps between the rotors 1204 are narrow enough to avoid significant loss of gas or power. Any practical number of rotors 1204 may be provided.

[0132] The rotors 1204 may be shaped to allow a working volume to expand as highpressure gas introduced at one or more gas inlets 1214 (right side) urges the rotors 1204 to rotate. A working volume expands as the gas expands with decreasing pressure until finally, after several rotations of the rotors 1204, the working volume is brought into fluid communication with one or more gas outlets 1212 (left side). This mechanical energy can be captured by one or more gear assemblies connected to one or more alternators, depicted generally at 1208. As such, electrical energy can be captured from pressurized fluid.

[0133] FIG. 14 shows an example, electrolysis/corrosion resistant fastener 1400 that may be used when joining components of the vessel 100 discussed herein, such as when assembling a panel 302 with a frame 308 to form a module.

[0134] The fastener 1400 includes a bolt 1402, which may be stainless steel. The bolt extends through holes in frame material 1406, which is aluminum, and the panel 302, which is polymer. The bolt 1402 is mated with a weld nut 1404 which may also be stainless steel. A dielectric/insulative washer 1408, which may be relatively thin and made of nylon, is located between the head of the bolt 1402 and the panel 302. The head of the bolt 1402 has a dished interior that contains a dielectric/insulative insert 1412, such as made of rubber, to contact the dielectric/insulative washer 1408. Another dielectric/insulative washer 1410, such as a fibre washer saturated in marine epoxy, is located between the weld nut 1404 and the frame material 1406. The holes in the frame material 1406 and panel 302 are large enough to create an air gap with the bolt 1402.

[0135] Thus, a thermal energy powered catamaran vessel is provided along with certain specific components of it, namely, a sealed heat collector and a dual-fluid heat loop apparatus. A person of skill in the art will understand that variants of the invention may be achieved using the disclosure provided herein and such variants as reasonably inferred from this specification are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0136] The calculations shown in Table 1 below (with Microsoft Excel row and column labelling convention) further illustrate the advantages of the invention.

[0137] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the above examples but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the whole description.

TABLE-US-00001 A B C D E F G H 1 Calculations_Dec6.19 2 CITS Length Length Length Hull Beam Hull Beam Draft 3 Jeff Rabjohn Hull Hull Beam at waterline Width to Depth 4 CAT-in-the-SUN Overall waterline Ratio Draft Ratio below 5 waterline 2.8+ friction waterline given Halme Cm=0.785 6 1.5-2.8 elipse using Halme Cm 7 1.1-1.4 deep v using Halme Cp 8 low fast 9 Lh LwL Lbr BwL Btr Tc Math TcO 10 set set Lbr=LwL/BwL Bwl=LwL/Lbr Btr=BwL/Tc Tc=BwL/Btr 2050 Bwl Lwl Cp Cm 11 9-12 for Halme Halme 1.9 Halme 12 3.2808 displace hull setBwL=1.09 adjust adjusted 13 <8 waves to Oster 2.0 to Oster 14 Halme sail cat given given Displacement given Tc=0.57 15 Sailing catamaran 40.03 39.37 Halme 358 so set 179 2 hulls 16 diesel backup 12.20 12.00 11.00 1.091 2.00 0.545 12,429.26.00 17 if 11.23 m waterline 11.42 11.23 11.00 1.021 2.00 0.510 10,885.35.00 18 37.46 36.84 3.35 1675 19 333.55 328.08 29.83 14.913 20 if 100 m waterline 101.67 100.00 11.00 9.091 2.00 4.545 863,143.18.00 21 22 Compromis 34 sailboat Comp 34 esti so set given 23 29.53 5.47 4.92 24 Monohull sailboat 10.40 9.00 5.40 1.67 1.11 1.50 25 diesel backup 11.23 5.40 2.08 1.11 1.87 26 if 11.23 m waterline 36.84 6.82 6.15 27 28 Leopard 43 power cat esti so set given 29 Power catamaran 40.81 Lep 43 4.92 3.08 30 Diesel powered 13.00 12.44 8.29 1.50 2.20 0.94 31 if 11.23 m waterline 11.74 11.23 8.29 135 2.20 062 32 36.84 4.44 2.02 33 SSV16 Lund gas boat ssv16 esti so set known 34 Aluminium boat 16.00 13.00 5.42 2.40 183 131 35 gas powered 4.88 3.96 5.42 0.73 1.83 0.40 36 if 11.23 m waterline 11.23 5.42 2.07 1.83 1.13 37 36.84 6.80 3.71 38 Tiara 43 Open diesel boat esti 39 Powerboat 43.24 37.73 Tiara 8.80 calculate 4.00 40 Diesel powered 13.18 11.50 4.29 2.68 2.20 1.22 41 if 11.23 m waterline 12.87 11.23 4.29 2.62 2.20 1.19 42 36.84 8.59 3.90 43 CAT-in-the-SUN 3.2808 CITS 44 Sail, solar, heat 1.02 CITS so set 45 powered catamaran 4.34 4.27 12.49 0.34 2.00 0.17 46 if 14 ft at waterline 14.01 12.51 1.12 so set 0.56 47 CITS Planet Heat 48 if 31 m at waterline 31.52 31.00 12.49 2.48 2.00 1.24 49 101.71 8.14 so set 4.07 50 solar 51 Turanor Planet Solar 101.71 Turanor 8.84 so set 4.42 52 Guiness record 35.00 31.00 11.50 2.70 2.00 1.35 53 Solar powered 36.84 3.20 1.60 54 if 11.23 m waterline 12.68 11.23 11.50 0.98 2.00 0.49 55 if 100 m waterline 112.90 100.00 11.50 8.70 2.00 4.35 56 328.08 28.53 14.26 57 Lh LwL Lbr BwL Btr Tc Math TcO 58 set set Lbr=LwL/BwL Bwl=LwL/Lbr Btr=BwL/Tc Tc=BwL/Btr 2050 Bwl Lwl Cp Cm 59 CAT-in-the-SUN 3.2808 CITS 60 Sail, solar, heat CITS set CITS 61 powered catamaran 37.50 36.84 Oncilla 2.95 so set 1.47 62 if 11.23 m at wline 11.43 11.23 12.49 0.90 2.00 0.45 63 if 100 m at waterline 101.75 100.00 12.49 801 2.00 400 64 328.08 26.27 13.13 65 3.2808

TABLE-US-00002 I J K L M N 1 2 Canoe x-section Hull 3 calculate Body calculate area Speed 4 TcO Draft CmO Canoe Body squared 5 from given Halme Tc = 0.57 from Oster 6 Oster using Halme Tc Oster 7 Displacement using Halme Cp Displacement 8 9 TcO Cm Math CmO CmO CSA Acc 10 TcO=WDispO/2050 Bwl Lwl Cp Cm set 2050 Bwl Lwl Cp Tc CmO=wDispO/2050 Bwl Lwl Cp Tc web Acc=v2 11 Halme calculator 12 adjusted Oster 13 to 14 Oster 15 2 hull given Cm=0.785 2 hulls 16 0.546 0.752 9,025.069.00 0.752 0.934 71.44 17 0.511 0.752 0.818 6686 18 19 20 4.550 0.752 64.872 59536 21 22 23 24 1.090 16.40 25 1.523 20.47 26 27 28 29 30 1.768 74.06 31 1.438 66.86 32 33 can’t 34 but if 35 0.210 7.22 36 2.150 20.47 37 38 39 40 2.190 20.96 41 1.590 20.47 42 43 44 so set 45 0.752 0.092 25.42 46 47 so set 48 0.752 4.836 184.56 49 50 51 so set 52 0.752 5.704 184.56 53 54 0.752 0.749 66.86 55 0.752 59.354 595.36 56 57 TcO Cm Math CmO CmO CSA Acc 58 TcO=wDispO/2050 Bwl Lwl CpCm 2050 Bwl Lwl Cp Tc CmO=wDispO/2050BwlLwlCpTc Acc=v2 59 60 61 so set 62 0.752 0.635 66.86 63 0.752 50.319 595.36 64 65

TABLE-US-00003 O P Q R S T 1 2 Mass of empty boat factor Power Displacement Boat Prismatic 3 Required Kg3 Displace Coefficent 4 for hull speed vol m3 5 range 0.5-7.5 6 slow-fast 7 8 9 Mss Math Mss Pr wDispO ^boatO Cp 10 Mss=0.4Tc0.62Bwl.95LwlCp/TcBwlLwlCp Tc Bwl Lwl Cp Pr=Mss wDispO/Acc web ^boatO=wDispO/1025 set 11 Power required calculator 12 Oster 13 14 15 2 hulls given 16 0.236 4.21 22.37 6784 6.619 0.590 17 0.236 3.45 19.61 5566 5.430 0.590 18 19 given 20 0.236 2438.02 1554.27 3927636 3831.840 0.590 21 22 set 23 24 0.236 12.83 82.48 5742 5.602 0.570 25 0.236 24.94 128.23 11139 10.867 0.570 26 27 28 29 set 30 0.236 10.88 44.45 13972 13.631 0.620 31 0.236 5.81 36.17 10265 10.015 0.620 32 33 34 set 35 0.298 0.74 22.49 546 0.533 0.640 36 0.298 16.86 180.71 12432 12.129 0.640 37 38 39 set 40 0.236 24.42 243.42 21654 21.126 0.650 41 0.236 22.74 231.94 20149 19.658 0.650 42 43 44 DaVinci 45 0.236 0.15 2.28 246 0.240 0.618 46 47 DaVinci 48 0.236 59.01 121.24 94973 92.657 0.618 49 50 51 so set 52 0.236 66.45 117.71 92207 89.958 0.590 53 so set 54 0.236 3.16 15.47 4390 4.283 0.590 55 0.236 2230.62 1223.99 3093015 3017.576 0.590 56 57 Mss Math Mss Pr wDispO ^boatO Cp 58 Mss=0.4Tc0.62Bwl0.9LwlCp/TcBwlLwlCp Tc Bwl Lwl Cp Pr=Mss wDispO/Acc from web ^boatO=wDispO/1025 set 59 60 DaVinci 61 62 0.236 2.81 15.93 4521 4.411 0.618 63 0.236 1980.77 1262.67 3190750 3112.927 0.618 64 65

TABLE-US-00004 U V W X Y Z AA 1 2 Speed Hull Empty Carrying Beam 3 to Length Speed Boat Capacity Overall 4 Ratio Displace 5 2.44 multihull kg3 is Width 6 1.35 monohull Oster max safe load of boat 7 wt boat 8 9 SLR Math v v dspOe math CC CC Bh 10 SLR=v/(sqrtLwL) sq root Lwl v=SLR(sqrtLwL) dispOe=Mss wDispO wDispO-wDispOe CC=0.2(wDispO.wDispOe) Bh=Bh1+Bcb 11 calculate each 12 1 m/sec = 2.237 Mile/hour Halme for 12.2 13 1 m/sec = 3.6 Km/hour set Bh=7.07 14 1 m/sec = 1.944 Knot float plane 15 set Empty lower 16 2.44 3.46 8.452 1598.3 5185.7 1037.1 7.070 17 2.44 3.35 8.177 1311.3 4254.7 850.9 6.619 18 heel 0.000 19 set 20 2.44 10.00 24.400 925351.0 3002285.0 600457.0 58.939 21 22 set float plane 23 24 1.35 3.00 4.050 1352.8 4389.2 lower 0.305 25 1.35 335 4.524 2624.3 8514.7 1702.9 0380 26 transom 27 28 given 29 set float plane 22.047 30 2.44 3.53 8.606 3291.8 10680.2 lower 6.720 31 2.44 3.35 8.177 2418.4 7846.6 1569.3 6.066 32 transom 19.903 33 set float plane 34 lower 6.000 35 1.35 1.99 2.687 162.4 383.6 76.7 1.829 36 1.35 3.35 4.524 3698.5 8733.5 1746.7 5.183 37 transom 17.005 38 float plane 39 set lower 15.322 40 1.35 3.39 4.578 5101.7 16552.3 3310.5 4.670 41 1.35 3.35 4.524 4747.1 15401.9 3080.4 4.560 42 transom 14.962 43 44 set 45 2.44 2.07 5.042 58.0 188.0 37.6 2.397 46 7.865 47 set 27.116 48 2.44 5.57 13.585 22375.6 72597.4 14519.5 17.405 49 57.102 50 float plane 51 set high Turanor 52 2.44 5.57 13.585 21724.0 70483.0 140966 17.747 53 set 54 2.44 3.35 8.177 1034.3 3355.7 671.1 6.429 55 2.44 10.00 24.400 728714.3 2364300.7 472860.1 57.249 56 lifted 57 SLR Math v v dspOe math CC CC Bh 58 SLR=v/(sqrtLwL) sq root Lwl v=SLR(sqrtLwL) dispOe=Mss wdspO wDispO-wDispOe CC=0.2(wDispO-wDispOe) Bh=Bh1+Bcb 59 2.44 60 set plans 61 20.500 62 2.44 3.35 8.177 1065.1 3455.9 1036.8 6.305 63 2.44 10.00 24.400 751740.7 2439009.3 731702.8 56.144 64 65

TABLE-US-00005 AB AC AD AE AF AG AH AI 1 2 m2 of Sun Power m2 math Sail Sail Power % 3 collectors Power per sail Power Power Harnessed Power 4 14of17mod 0.823 dome module 0.75 kw/m2 Realized From Harnessed 5 ½ sphere= 2pie r2 CITS 0.23 kw given 60% time up to0.6Pr Environment Environment 6 Turanor 0.188 Halme or 0.75sail0.3 kw 7 11+2+1mod Oncilla Turanor 8 m2=2 pie r2 823 2 pie r2 9 coll SunP Ppdm sail math SailP SailP Pe % Pe 10 coll=m2collector SunP= 188Coll Ppdm=SunP/14 sail=m2sail SP=0.75sail0.6 Pe=SunP+SailP %= 100Pe / Pr 11 SunP=0.23Coll Power got/ required 12 Realized 13 14 Full Sail 15 given 60%time 16 92.60 41.67 13.42 13.42 60 17 86.66 39.00 11.77 11.77 60 18 19 given 20 771.67 347.25 932.56 932.56 60 21 22 23 esti 24 122.00 54.90 49.49 49.49 60 25 152.23 68.50 7694 76.94 60 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 m2 44 Dome heat sail 45 7.43 1.71 4.51 1.02 2.72 119 46 47 Dome heat 48 391.41 90.02 237.79 53.50 143.53 118 49 50 Solar given 51 Turanor 0.188 kw/m2 52 537.00 100.96 100.96 86 53 realized 54 70.52 13.26 13.26 86 55 5,591.00.00 1,051.11.00 1,051.11.00 86 56 57 coll SunP Ppdm sail math SailP SailP Pe % Pe 58 coll=m2collector SunP=0.23Coll Ppdm=SunP/14 sail=m2sail SP=0.75sail0.6 Pe=SunP+SailP %= 100Pe / Pr 59 dome dome Power got/ required 60 collectors sail realized 61 CAT-in-the-SUN m2 sail 62 51.37 11.81 0.84 31.21 7.02 18.84 118 63 4,072.95.00 93678 2,474.45.00 556 75 1.49353 118 64 65

TABLE-US-00006 AJ AK AL AM AN AO AP AQ 1 2 Power % Math Math Wetted Beam Length Beam 3 Harnessed Power wetted wetted Surface of ea Beam Btwn 4 From Harnessed m2 hull Ctr ctrs 5 Fossil Fuel Fossil Fuel topside Ratio Beam overall - 6 Beam beam topside 7 Bcb = Lh/Lbrc 8 9 Pff % Pff Math wet Math wet WSA Bh1 Lbrc Bcb 10 1hp=0.75kw %=100Pff / Pr 1.7 Lwl Tc .sup.∧boat / Tc WSA=1.7LwLTc+(.sup.∧boat_/Tc) 1.4 Bwl Lbrc = Lh / Bob Bob = Bh - Bh1 11 Denny-Mumfod or plans Halme Halme 12 set LBRC= 2.2 13 Halme 14 Hp given 1.4xBwl 15 27.0 5.01 1819 16 20.3 91 11.13 12.13 23.26 1.53 2.20 5.55 17 17.8 91 9.75 10.64 20.38 1.43 2.20 5.19 18 19 20 236.3 15 772.73 843.00 1,615.73.00 12.73 2.20 46.21 21 22 Hp given 23 27.0 24 20.3 25 22.95 3.73 26.68 25 32.0 25 35.77 5.80 41.57 26 27 28 Hp given 1.4xBwl 29 160.0 6.89 30 120.0 270 19.88 14.50 34.38 2.10 2.81 4.62 31 98.0 271 11.76 16.26 28.02 1.90 2.81 4.17 32 6.22 13.68 33 Hp given 34 400 35 30.0 133 2.69 1.33 4.02 36 556.6 308 21.62 10.71 32.33 37 38 Hp given 39 358.0 40 268.5 110 23.82 17.34 41.16 41 883.7 381 22.72 16.52 39.24 42 43 44 45 1.24 1.40 2.64 0.42 2.16 1.98 46 1.38 6.49 47 48 65.40 74.66 3.05 2.16 14.35 49 10.02 47.09 50 51 solve 52 71.03 66.74 137.77 3.72 2.21 14.03 53 54 9.32 8.77 18.09 1.35 2.21 5.08 55 739.13 694.04 1.433.17 12.00 2.21 45.25 56 57 Pff % Pff Math wet Math wet WSA Bh1 Lbrc Bcb 58 1hp=0.75kw %=100Pff /Pr 1.7 Lwl Tc .sup.∧boat / Tc WSA=1.7LwLTc+(.sup.∧boat_/Tc) 59 1.06/0.86 60 plans solve plans 61 3.48 2.16 17.02 62 8.58 1.10 9.68 1.11 2.16 5.20 63 680.54 237.02 917.56 9.85 2.16 4630 64 65

TABLE-US-00007 AR A AT AU AV AW 1 2 min Equations 3 wet 4 deck Length Hull(s) Overall set Lh set 5 clearance Length Hull(s) waterline set LwL set 6 Length / Beam ratio waterline set Lbr Lbr = LwL / BwL 7 Beam Waterline BwL Bwl = LwL/Lbr 8 Beam / draft ratio waterline set Btr Btr = BwL / Tc 9 Zwd Draft below waterline Tc Tc = BwL/ Btr 10 Zwd=0.06 LwL Draft below waterline Oster TcO TcO=wDispO/2050BwlLwlCpCm 11 Cross Sectional Area web CSA CSA = web calculator Oster 12 Acceleration Acc Acc=v2 13 Power required for hull speed Pr Pr=Mss wDispO/ Acc 14 Canoe body set Cm set 15 Canoe body calc from Oster disp CmO CmO=wDispO/2050BwlLwlCpTc 16 0.720 Displacement loaded Oster web wDispO wDispO = web calculator Oster 17 0.674 Prismatic Coefficient Cp set 18 Speed / Length ratio SLR SLR = v / (sq root LwL) 19 Hull speed v v=SLR (sq root LwL) 20 6.000 Displacement empty Oster dispOe dspOe=Mss wDispO 21 Carrying Capacity CC CC = 0.2(wDispO-wDispOe) 22 Beam Overall Bh Bh=Bh1+Bcb 23 m2 of collectors set coil coll=m2collector 24 Sun Power SunP SunP=0.188Coll 25 Power per dome module Ppdm Ppdm=SunP/14 26 m2 of Sail set Sail sail=m2sail 27 Sail Power SailP SailP = up to 0.6Pr or SailP=0.75sail0.3 28 Power from environment Pe Pe=SunP + SailP 29 % Power from environment % Pe %=100 Pe/Pr 30 0.746 Fossil Fuel power Pff 1hp=0.75kw 31 0.674 % power from fossil fuels % Pff %=100Pff / Pr 32 Displacement Volume Oster .sup.∧boatO .sup.∧boatO-wDispO/1025 33 Wetted Surface WSA WSA = 1.7LwLTc + (.sup.∧boatO / Tc) 34 Beam topside Bh1 Bh1=1.4xBwL or plans 35 Length / Beam center ratio Lbrc Lbrc = Lh / Bcb 36 Beam between centers Bcb Bcb = Bh - Bh1 37 Wet deck clearance Zwd Zwd=0.06LwL 38 Mass of empty boat factor Mss Mss=0.4Tc0.62Bwl0.95LwlCp/TcBwlLwlCp 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 0.256 46 47 48 1.860 49 50 51 52 lots 53 54 lots 55 lots 56 57 Zwd 58 Zwd=0.06 LwL 59 60 61 2.211 62 0.674 63 6.000 64 65