Sailing yacht Zero update #11: Energy management

Sailing yacht Zero is progressing through Harbour Acceptance Testing (HAT). This finds the team focusing on the systems that reduce energy consumption and recycle energy wherever possible.

One element that’s particularly important in this process is checking the electrical architecture, which in this case is a dedicated DC ring system. Broken down into six distinct segments controlled by DC switches, this setup offers flexibility for monitoring performance and ensuring the safety of the vessel.

Beyond electrical distribution, one of the biggest challenges (and energy-saving opportunities) is fine-tuning the heat recovery system. The setup harvests waste heat from high-temperature components, such as the electric thruster drives, extracting 70 °C to 80 °C water straight into the domestic hot water system. This runs in tandem with photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels, which generate both electricity and heat.

Combined with regeneration under sail, Zero is engineered to reclaim energy traditional vessels simply lose to the environment. For the team, the goal is to ensure the system is as efficient as possible before hitting the open water.

Watch the video below for more information.