The only fully integrated architecture, propulsion system, and control platform for solar electric yachts.

Maximum range. Maximum performance.

Advantages

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Market Gap

In searching for a solar electric motor catamaran, we found a distinct lack of compelling options - either too slow, not enough range, not enough solar, or too expensive.

The Solution

A seamlessly integrated, balanced design for maximum efficiency

Designed from the ground up, the Blue Neuron system is not constrained by legacy architectures. It instead takes advantage of the latest technologies and EV practices. The Blue Neuron system is a single cohesive system comprised of curated commercially proved components that are well matched, communicate seamlessly, have multiple layers of redundancy, and deliver optimal performance.

System Scope

The Blue Neuron System is not a drop-in propulsion system, it is a fully-integrated propulsion and power architecture and design with matching control software and user interface embedded within a broader vessel management system. It has been optimised for maximum efficiency, safety, and performance. Key components of the system are:

  • The Blue Neuron system includes a drivetrain design for a well-balanced, parallel hybrid system.

    The design includes recommended products, matching electrical and communications requirements, a hybrid propulsion control system, and communications bridges, where needed.

  • The Blue Neuron system includes detailed designs for the:

    • high voltage propulsion system, and

    • low voltage DC system

    Each system is designed to be at least 2-level redundant and includes safety systems to protect both the system and user.

    The designs include the electrical and communication architectures, product lists, communication protocols, and integration requirements for the control system.

    Products in the Blue Neuron system have been carefully selected based on functionality, efficiency, in-built safety features, and the ability to integrated into the system.

    The systems have been optimised for maximum interoperability and efficiency, and have resulted in a market-leading 95% end-to-end electrical efficiency. Meaning that for every 1kW generated by the solar panels, 0.95kW is available at the engine for propulsion.

  • The Blue Neuron system design includes complete design package for water-cooled, high and low voltage battery packs to suit the Blue Neuron system.

    The designs are the first marine LiFePO4 batteries to use the blade cell format, which has proven to be the safest currently available.

    Click here for full information on the Blue Neuron battery design.

  • The Blue Neuron system includes a fully coded hybrid vehicle control unit and power management system, both tightly integrated into a whole-of-vessel management system.

    The software also adds a higher layer of interlocks and safety monitoring to the propulsion and electrical systems, for added protection.

    The Neuron Digital user interface provides for seamless and intuitive operation of the vessel's complex, underlying systems, via your chartplotter screen. More detailed information and screenshots of the Neuron Digital UI can be found here.

Propulsion Configuration

If well designed, your solar electric yacht can run almost exclusively on 100% electric propulsion. But occasionally you’ll want more freedom - to go faster, further, or across oceans. This is enabled by adding a diesel motor to recharge the batteries. There are two possible configurations:

  • serial hybrid (e.g. Silent Yachts)

  • parallel hybrid (e.g. Blue Neuron)

Most boat builders choose the parallel configuration as it offers the same advantages of serial systems, but adds additional redundancy and flexibility (6 different modes of operation in the case of Blue Neuron, compared to 2 for a serial hybrid like the Silent Yachts range).

Propulsion Modes

Neuron Digital UI

Using the Blue Neuron system is seamless and easy. Propulsion control, power and systems monitoring, yacht control, and automations are combined into a single interface displayed on your chartplotter. Perfect for a glass helm set-up.

Click here for full details of the Blue Neuron UI.

Blade Battery Design

The Blue Neuron system includes full design specifications high and low voltage marine blade battery banks.

Blade battery cells use the safest battery geometry available - no fire or smoke when short circuited by puncturing the cell with a nail!

Marine blade battery banks are not available off the shelf but, using the Blue Neuron design, boat builders with in-house electricians can now offer this technology, and the ultimate peace of mind, to their electric boat customers.

Click here for full details of the Blue Neuron Blade Battery design.