Nova Luxe 44 All-Electric Yacht Build Update: She Works!
SUMMARY
At the request of philanthropist Mr. Weil, Nova Luxe has been contracted to fit the Aquila 44 with an environmentally friendly electric propulsion system.
Mr. Weil chose the Aquila 44 from our list of hull offerings for a variety of reasons. He was looking for a vessel comfortable enough to live aboard which makes space and storage paramount to speed. As a full time resident of Florida, a powerful air conditioner can make all the difference. The solar and battery configuration chosen will allow the yacht to stay air conditioned day and night in up to 100 degree weather without starting the generator or using shore power. On cloudy days while at anchor, the generator automatically kicks in if the battery falls below a certain charge.
Range is important to this client which is why Mr. Weil elected to keep enough fuel onboard to have a range of up to 800 miles at 6 knots without the aid of solar. If the sun is shining the range is extended..
Exploring the vast natural beauty the sea has to offer is endless with the power of NovaLuxe Yachts.
REQUIREMENTS
-
Vessel is self sustaining without shore power
-
-
Vessel has the range to go anywhere in the world
-
-
Vessel stores enough battery power to run the house load including AC in 100 degree weather for 24 hours without generator power
-
-
Aquila 44 hull
-
Reaches max hull speed of 8.5 knots
-
-
Batteries can be fully charged by shore power in 1 night, <8 hours
-
-
Batteries can be charged by 3 sources of power, solar, generator and shore power in unison.
-
-
Generator can bypass the battery system in the event of a failure and the engines will continue to run on generator power.
-
-
Solar array can provide 20kW of power on an average day.
KEY DATES
1/20/2019:
We accepted delivery of the Aquila 44 from MarineMax! Tear down began the next day. Exhaust manifolds for each engine have been removed and the 300 hp Volvo Penta engines are soon to follow.
1/27/2019:
Tender for the electric yacht has been completed. The 12’ Zar is propelled by a 10kW Torqeedo engine and two 5kW 48v batteries. The tender can plane with a full load and is a joy to drive. Chargers for the tender are located on the yacht where its main charging station is.
3/25/2019:
Landed the Motors / Bulkhead / 4 MPPT Solar Charger / 6 Shore Chargers / 2 control units / i3 batteries / Generator
6/01/2019:
Sea Trials complete, private showing of the Yacht at the West Shore Yacht Club in Tampa.
8/01/2019:
Owner leaves for a 3 month trip to Bahamas
2/13/2020:
First public reveal at the Miami Yacht show!
CREED
At NovaLuxe, we are dedicated to supporting the client’s requests during the design process. We apply the broad expertise of our project planning group by working together in a collaborative, team-based approach. NovaLuxe commits resources and tools that include value analysis, life cycle costing, owning and other services by using resource experts.
This process emphasizes the value of an all electric yacht.
Through a holistic design and construction approach, members of the NovaLuxe Planning Group work in close collaboration with the entire project team. The Group includes the client, the suppliers, the electrical engineers and industry experts. This continuity of plan to execution delivers an all electric yacht that can free you from noise, pollution and provide a better Environment for all!
