A project that represents a ‘dream’ in support of sustainability: the first Swan 88 ‘DreamCatcher’ hybrid-electric maxi-yacht was presented. This ‘dream catcher’ is symbolic of the pioneering spirit of Nautor Swan who chose an integrated Deep Blue system from Torqeedo for its power supply.
Overall, the 88ft yacht features a customized 120 kW electric drive system and 160 kWh of energy storage. This equipment allows quiet driving at a maximum speed of 11.4 knots. To appreciate the strength of this vessel, it is important to explore its equipment in detail!
The Deep Blue system to compose the ‘dream’
As the world leader in electric and hybrid propulsion, Torqeedo provided its fully integrated Deep Blue system. Its purpose is to power the yacht and manage on-board systems and services. It thus presents a holistic approach that ensures intuitive operation and greater sustainability, which is the concept behind it. But what other functionality does it provide?
The 120 kW Deep Blue inboard engine found inside Swan 88 drives the adjustable pitch propeller. And this is perhaps the main advantage offered, as the navigation and performance characteristics of the propeller can be changed at the touch of a button.
The end result is therefore a fluid transition between sailing and engine modes, making the yacht adaptable and always ready for any condition.
Finally, it should be noted that the system manages to lower resistance for optimal navigation speed and performance. Or there is the possibility of optimizing renewable energy production.
A matter of energy and… recharging
Deep Blue relies on advanced algorithms capable of monitoring and adjusting performance several times per second in hydrogeneration mode. This allows it to deliver the right amount of wind-powered renewable energy without major impacts on sailing speed. When 8 knots are reached, the system is able to generate enough power to maintain self-sufficiency.
But it doesn’t end there: there is also an integrated 22 kW on-board charger and two lightweight 45 kW generators that can offer a range of over 2,000 nautical miles. Note that the generators are suitable for recharging the high-capacity battery bank in one hour and 50 minutes, while also ensuring soundproofing.
And while we’re on the subject of batteries, we must mention the 4 Deep Blue Battery 40 which include the central 160 kWh battery bank providing ample energy storage. In addition, the battery bank provides enough power to enjoy up to 12 hours on board in complete relaxation and silence.
Performance worthy of a combustion engine yacht
The characteristics have been described, but there is one more detail to consider: the Swan 88 is an ambitious yacht. This is said by Matthias Vogel, Senior Vice President of Torqeedo’s Customised Solutions business unit:
‘The Swan 88 is the culmination of three years of collaboration between Nautor Swan and Torqeedo’s Customized Solutions team. It proves that Deep Blue can achieve similar range and performance as a combustion engine-powered yacht and even be fully independent under good sailing conditions.’
Being able to count on a silent drive allows you to enjoy a 100% green travel experience, without emissions and respecting pristine waters.
What not to underestimate
Luxury yachts similar to the Swan 88 are equipped with a lot of electronic equipment and a range of amenities that affect structure and power. What the Swan 88 succeeds in doing, however, is leveraging the Deep Blue holistic energy management system, which on the one hand generates free energy while travelling, but can also manage, balance and even supply power to on-board systems.
Even those services that are known to require a lot of energy, such as the oven, dishwasher and air conditioning, are integrated in the Deep Blue management software. And that means only one thing: maximum comfort and convenience.