The world's first solar-electric sewage pump-out boat is powered by Torqeedo
Torqeedo has supplied an integrated electric propulsion system for the world’s first full-size solar-electric sewage pump-out boat, which was recently delivered to the township of Branford, Connecticut. The 25-ft. aluminum boat was built for the East Shore District Health Department by Pilot’s Point Marina in Westbrook to provide free sewage pump-out service for boats, preventing the discharge of untreated human waste into the area’s waterways.
The propulsion system for the boat consists of two Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 outboard motors, four Torqeedo Power 48 lithium-ion batteries and four chargers, as well as a cockpit control panel that gives the operator an at-a-glance view of system status, including range at current speed. The motors are driven by electricity from the batteries, which are recharged by eight 100-watt solar panels, providing 400 watts to each battery bank. The batteries also drive the boat’s 48V 2hp pump and provide enough reserve capacity for a full day’s work.
The East Shore District Health Department collaborated with Yale University’s School of Public Health on the research for the new boat. Funding was provided by a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection under the Federal Clean Vessel Act as well as local fundraising efforts. The Clean Vessel Act provides assistance to build and maintain pump-out stations, pump-out boats and dumping stations that enable recreational boaters to dispose of sewage in a safe and responsible fashion, keeping it out of the nation’s waterways.
Torqeedo is the market leader for electric mobility on the water. Founded in 2005 in Starnberg, Germany, the company develops and manufactures electric and hybrid drives from 0.5 to 100 kW for commercial applications and recreational use. Torqeedo products are characterized by an uncompromising high-tech focus, maximum efficiency and complete system integration. Torqeedo is part of the DEUTZ Group, one of the world's leading independent suppliers of diesel and natural gas engines.
