Tu Delft Hydro Motion: Navigating Circuit Innovations
Introduction
The TU Delft Hydro Motion Team is a vibrant group of 23 passionate students who have accomplished an incredible feat: successfully crossing the English Channel with their hydrogen-powered boat. Over the past year, they dedicated themselves to this ambitious challenge, designing an entirely new boat from the ground up. Central to their mission is hydrogen, a highly sustainable fuel, which they believe is crucial for the future of the maritime industry. Their journey showcases innovation and the promise of a positive environmental impact.
A Legacy of Innovation
The team’s roots date back 18 years with the inception of the TU Delft Solar Boat Team. Their journey began in inland waters before venturing into open seas, culminating in their first World Championship victory in 2019. Initially focused on demonstrating the viability of solar power as an alternative to fossil fuels, the team expanded its focus to another green energy source: hydrogen. In 2020, the Hydro Motion project was born, leading to the creation of the world’s first foiling hydrogen-powered boat. The team’s triumph continued as Hydro Motion clinched the 2023 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge Open Sea Class, securing yet another World Championship title.
The Ongoing Challenge
Despite these significant achievements, the transition towards sustainable practices within the maritime industry remains slow. The technology and knowledge exist, but implementation poses a challenge, as not all waterways and harbours are equipped to support renewable energy vessels like theirs. To foster a sustainable maritime sector, systemic change is necessary. The team is dedicated to advocating for global companies and governments to amend legislation, mandating hydrogen-powered vessels and essential infrastructure to facilitate the green transition.
A Groundbreaking Achievement
Partnering with key collaborators, the team successfully constructed, tested, and sailed a foiling hydrogen-powered boat from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom. This journey exemplifies hydrogen’s endurance and potential, highlighting its high energy density and suitability for long-distance maritime travel. By completing this crossing, they have demonstrated hydrogen’s capabilities in seaworthy vessels, setting a new standard for the industry.
Innovative Technology
A significant technological achievement in this project was the development of multiple custom PCBs, all produced by Eurocircuits. These include:
- Steering PCB: The team designed a bespoke steering wheel that integrates all pilot controls, enabling seamless operation of the boat with both hands. The embedded PCB manages a range of signals, operates a built-in display, and communicates with the boat’s systems to control speed, direction, and height. This innovation ensures that the pilot can maneuver the vessel with precision and safety.
- Vehicle Control Unit (VCU): The VCU acts as the brain of the boat, controlling the entire system. It manages communication between various components, ensuring that all systems work in harmony for optimal performance and safety during the journey.
- Cooling PCBs: These PCBs are essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures for critical components. They ensure that the hydrogen fuel cells and other electronic systems remain cool and efficient, even under demanding conditions.
We are very happy that we are able to make the project work with the help of Eurocircuits!
The embedded department
Crossing the North Sea
Working on PCBs
For more information please visit the TU Delft – Hydro Motion website.
Bring your product to market on time and within budget – join the Eurocircuits Community
