When Sailectron Services were invited to become involved in the design and installation of an electric power system on board an Adventure Catamaran 55 – whilst it was still a bare hull – the efficiencies achieved were remarkable.
As well as allowing device stowage and conduits for the owner-specified utilities to be absorbed discretely into the build – the savings in time, and the production of coherent materials schedules were impressive.
Sailectron Services are based in Austria, Europe …the build was taking place in Thailand, SE Asia.
Using Rhinoceros CAD enabled Sailectron Services to plan their installation remotely, placing power devices within yet-to-be-built housings, perfectly sized for the bespoke system. Their one-off design included the building out of GRP mounts and casings placed within the bare hull in optimal locations, using the minimum of space.
Planning
Working in close collaboration with the shipyard team, sharing drawings, the power system was designed and – to a large extent – built remotely. As part of the process, outstanding matters were able to be decided in a single on-site meeting. Details – such as the layout of the custom-made photovoltaic array – were physically laid out in template, and a collaborative construction schedule was agreed.
Concept
The Adventure 55 catamaran is a design which offers the owner responsive and exhilarating sailing, maximum comfort throughout the on-board accommodation, and – in this example – an energy management system which is lightweight, automated, and provides power to a comprehensive list of domestic electrical devices – just like those used at home.
Sailectron Services CEO Lukas Vrecer says: “The exhaustive power system includes a device from almost every category of power product made by Victron Energy! – the resulting installation provides an incomparable user-experience. All components can be controlled on board from the navigation station; remote monitoring and support is possible using Victron’s VRM platform. Some special functions have also been implemented using Beckhoff Programmable Logic Controllers.“
Installation
Sailectron Services seized every opportunity to prefabricate as many components as possible in their workshop in Austria. Pre-configured and tested components were then shipped to Thailand – greatly accelerating the installation process. Within three weeks, the system was integrated into the yacht and tested by their four-person team. Post launch, the system underwent final commissioning before delivery to the client.
The components
Energy storage and charging is performed by nine Lithium Battery Smart LiFePO4 25.6/200Ah forming the service batteries. They operate two MultiPlus 24/5000 inverter/chargers which simultaneously serve as battery-chargers and transfer switches for uninterrupted power-source switching between shore AC and inverter operation.
Five Smart IP43 Charger 24/25 units also serve as chargers – not only enabling faster charging from shore power, but they also allow any shore power connection to be used worldwide because of their input voltage range.
A Lynx Smart BMS – battery management system – controls the charge depending on the status of the LiFePO4 bank: Charging curves are regulated via DVCC depending on the state of charge, voltage, and temperature. Powerful alternators, controlled by Wakespeed WS500, are seamlessly integrated into the Victron system.
Protection & Shore Power Input
An Isolation Transformer protects the vessel from damage caused by galvanic corrosion. The MultiPlus inverter/charger units also continuously monitor the external grid for correct voltage and frequency, and disconnect it if necessary to protect the onboard electrical equipment.
The IP43 Smart Charger ensures that the batteries are not drained during inverter operation, even in the event of a poor external power supply. This solution guarantees a perfectly clean 230V/50Hz power supply on board.
Photovoltaics
A custom-made 2.6kW SOLBIAN solar system is installed in the saloon roof, making it fully accessible. Nine SmartSolar 100/20 charge controllers control the solar harvest in a synchronized manner and ensure maximum shade tolerance with separate control circuits.
Monitoring
The Cerbo GX with GX Touch 70 serves as the central interface for controlling the system. Temperatures, tank levels, and various digital inputs are also processed here. A Beckhoff Programmable Logic Controller is used to control numerous tanks (in order to minimize the number of through-hull fittings, the owner requested small tanks for each waste area, with centralized and automated waste management). Fill levels are transmitted to the monitoring system via a GX Tank 140. For local monitoring on board, all B&G chart plotters, together with the Victron touchscreen user interface, have been integrated via an HTML page.
Michael Ponbauer, CTO, says: “Victron Energy’s open approach regarding data communication allows us to seamlessly integrate the Victron ecosystem with the Beckhoff PLC. This way even complex systems including engine controls, fire alarm systems and onboard lighting can be operated from a single user interface.”
The system can also be accessed remotely via the VRM platform, allowing not only control and monitoring but also remote maintenance and updates.
Switch Panels
Sailectron Services manufactured their own custom-made switch panels using either anodized aluminium, or a special backlit PMMA material for the main DC distribution board, the control stations, the navigation table, and various other positions.
Commissioning
After launch, every socket and circuit breaker was tested including insulation resistance – as well as a thermal imaging test – in which the system is loaded with its maximum possible power (charging and discharging). The thermal imaging camera checks the temperatures of all components, terminals, and switches to identify any potential faults.
Technical specifications:
- Storage: (24V, 46kWh): 9x LiFePO4 Smart 25.6V/200Ah
- BMS: Lynx Smart BMS 1000A
- Inverters: 2x MultiPlus 24/5000/120
- Chargers: 5x IP43 Smart 24/25
- Monitoring: Cerbo GX with GX Touch 70 and integration into B&G chartplotter
- PV charge controllers: 9x SmartSolar 100/20
- PV output: 2,612Wp SOLBIAN Solar & 500Wp glass/glass
The Adventure 55 demonstrates the value of early involvement in the design process: Adapting the installation spaces to the electrical system allows for cable runs to be kept as short as possible while maintaining perfect accessibility to all components. Careful electrical planning makes workflows efficient; the system can be largely prefabricated off-site and subsequently installed on-site with minimal time expenditure.
Comprehensive documentation, including labeling of all cables and operating equipment, is not only enormously helpful during installation and the lifetime of the yacht, it also enhances the yacht’s long-term value – saving time and expense on maintenance from external technicians.
Sailectron Services can be found at these web locations:
