Autark Zero, as its name suggests, is a proof of concept that supports advancements in marine technology and independence from shore-based facilities.
Energy Independence
- Renewable Energy: With 33m² of solar cells generating up to 6000 Wp, complemented by hydroelectric regeneration and wind energy capture, the vessel harnesses energy to power all onboard systems and propulsion, eliminating the need to charge at shore-based facilities.
- Energy Storage: A 60kWh Lithium-Ion LFP battery bank serves as the primary energy storage system. The integrated Battery Management System continuously monitors all parameters, providing data for logging and system optimization.
- Intelligent Energy Management: A predictive Energy Management System (EMS) uses AI algorithms to adjust consumption and generation based on current battery capacity and energy input. This allows for optimised distribution of power throughout the vessel, ensuring efficient use of energy.
Water Self-Sufficiency
- Dual Water Generation: The vessel uses Ultra Filtration to produce fresh water from rainwater and river water harvesting. This increasingly energy-efficient system compared to traditional Reverse Osmosis (RO) based systems typically used on sea-going vessels, eliminates the need for large water tanks or bottled water, reducing weight and waste.
- Efficient Collection: The wingsail can work as a rainwater collection surface when folded down.
Wastewater Management
- Advanced Wastewater Treatment: The Autark Zero employs an Electro Coagulation Floatation (ECF) system, an electrochemical process capable of treating intermittent volumes of black water without relying on bacterial ecosystems.
- Water Recycling: Treated wastewater can be reused as rinse water or safely discharged in compliance with EU regulations in any waterway or routed to the onboard grow-rooms.
Autarkic Yachting
The Project’s ‘Zero Input, Zero Output’ philosophy brings new concepts for yacht builders to incorporate into their new yachts. These techniques eliminate the need for fossil fuels, shore power, on-shore wastewater discharge facilities and external water sources, opening a window for less dependency on shore or marina facilities, and the possibility of significantly reducing the environmental impacts. The Autark Zero Project therefore stands as a powerful proof of concept, showing that comfortability and self-sufficiency -autarky- can go hand in hand.
