How it all works

In order to make the most of the state-of-the systems aboard, an extremely sophisticated network of thirty-six embedded computers continuously monitors and controls the operation of all the on-board machinery.  The local computers operate autonomously most of the time, but they receive their marching orders from two redundant “vessel computers” that handle the high-level operating strategy.  Thanks to the constant stream of data from all the local computers, the vessel computers can adjust how all of the machinery is operating based on the big-picture and the priorities of the crew.  For example, if the captain knows that Sobe Sunset will be moored for a few days with a skeleton crew aboard, later to receive guests and make a transit, the vessel computers will dial back the HVAC system in the unused areas to conserve energy and optimize solar battery charging; then they will cool down the boat just in time for the guests’ arrival.  

The wealth of data from the many on-board sensors allows for coordinated control of engines, batteries, stabilizers, HVAC, and the myriad other machines aboard to optimize performance.  In addition to helping to ensure efficient operation and passenger comfort, these data are stored and analyzed to head off future maintenance problems.  Sophisticated software, including machine learning (ML) algorithms, can spot trends that indicate poor performance or incipient failure, and alert the crew and shoreside specialists to take pre-emptive action.

All these sophisticated systems have one thing in common – they need electrical power to operate.  Sobe Sunset’s hybrid electric propulsion system is the ideal way to efficiently provide for the energy demands of the whole vessel, not just the propellers.  Because the main engines can be directly connected to powerful generators, the large batteries can be recharged quickly, and since all of Sobe Sunset’s electrical power is supplied by the batteries, there is no need for gensets.  This dramatically reduces the cost, size, and complexity of the machinery space; and it eliminates the noise and smell of an auxiliary generator running all the time.

The electrical system itself is unique.  Instead of using conventional AC power, Sobe Sunset distributes DC power to most of the equipment at a relatively high voltage of 750 volts.  This allows for smaller wires, less weight, and more efficient energy use.  With this approach, the large lithium-ion battery bank can provide power for the propulsion motors and all the other on-board systems.  An inverter system makes 120/240 volts directly from the 750 volts for the few hotel systems that require it.  With the solar arrays and high battery charge rate available through using the main engines, ample power is always available.  Dockside, if the sun is not quick enough for a full charge and running the main engines is not desired, shore power can be used to supplement the solar power.  To achieve this, shore power is converted to 750 volts DC for distribution around the boat and to the battery chargers.  This approach has the added benefit of automatically adapting to either 50Hz or 60Hz shore power; it doesn’t matter which is available.    

Life on the water as you’ve never experienced it before