Green technology oriented conceptions generally have the tendency to be individualistically designed as sustainable solutions in themselves. But for a change, a team of designers, namely Yuta Moriwake, Takumi Amiya and Yu Hiraoka, have conceived the solar powered Setouchi Eco Boat Design Project as a socio-economic solution for the transportation industry of a whole region.
Setouchi, a coastal city of southern Japan, previously had a thriving transportation business based upon ferry systems. But with the recent opening of the Shimanami Sea Road, most of the traffic has shifted along that route, thus in the process shutting off many ferry companies. This in itself has presented predicaments for usually old people, students and those who cannot afford to drive through the sea road. So in righteous bid to somewhat improve the situation, albeit with a sustainable scope, the designers have envisaged of an EV sea bus that can prove to be efficient and economical to passengers in the long run.
Supposedly inspired by the bulbous form of whale (symbolically alluding to whales prevalent in the region), the 60 seater sea-craft will aesthetically feature a translucently blue body, in-sync with the bluish tint of the wide sea. To be exclusively powered by clean and green solar energy, the array of solar panels mounted on the roof section will generate the required electricity. The power can later be stored in the incorporated lithium-ion batteries, for further having its use for all the mechanized and steering systems aboard the craft. So, finally the whole conception can serve as a zero emission, sustainable solution for the prevailing socio-economic condition in the city.
Via: Yu Hiraoka Design
