Hydrogen-powered transformation astonishes in Barcelona's support vessels
The 37th America's Cup in Barcelona 2024 is experiencing a technological revolution, with the use of hydrogen as fuel in both competing vessels and support boats. One such pioneering innovation is the hydrogen-powered "Chase Zero" boat, developed by Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) in collaboration with Toyota.
Design and Construction
Chase Zero is a 10-meter vessel capable of carrying six people, with a payload capacity of 250 kg and a range of 150 to 180 km. The total weight of Chase Zero, including cargo, is 5,200 kg. Construction of the boat began in August 2021 at ETNZ's facilities in North Shore, Auckland, with the construction of the appendages and the powertrain of the hydrogen fuel cells. The design of the aluminum foils was heavily based on AC75 technology. The tanks, constructed with a plastic lining wrapped in carbon fiber, can hold 8 kg of hydrogen gas each, giving a total capacity of 32 kg when full.
Technology
Chase Zero operates fully on hydrogen fuel cells, emitting zero emissions, marking a significant innovation in sustainable marine technology used in high-performance sailing events. The boat incorporates advanced foiling technology, allowing it to lift above the water surface and reduce drag, thus achieving higher speeds and efficiency suitable for chase boat operations at the America's Cup. Developed as a prototype by ETNZ and Toyota after their successful 2021 America’s Cup defence, Chase Zero represents the integration of hydrogen fuel cell systems with high-performance marine engineering.
Performance
The exact speed metrics for Chase Zero are not detailed, but foiling chase boats in the 37th America's Cup support fleet are required to reach speeds up to 50 knots, with a range of about 180 miles on hydrogen power, reflecting the technical requirements set forth by the event organizers. The technology aims to provide quiet, clean, and efficient chase support, enhancing sustainability while ensuring rapid response and maneuverability during races.
Automation and Control
Chase Zero is an automated boat with the driver controlling it by operating the accelerator and the steering. The height of the boat gradually increases as it accelerates, lifting off the foils from 40 cm to 1.2 meters. The autopilot used to control the driving height is patented technology from Emirates Team New Zealand.
Context
The use of hydrogen-powered boats like Chase Zero aligns with the 37th America's Cup's sustainability protocols, which require teams to build and operate hydrogen-powered foiling chase boats at least 10 meters in length. This innovation represents a milestone in the sport, moving away from fossil fuel-powered support vessels toward clean energy solutions without compromising on speed or functional demands.
In summary, Chase Zero is a cutting-edge, fully hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat developed by Emirates Team New Zealand and Toyota, designed to achieve high speeds (up to 50 knots) and considerable range, supporting sustainable operations during the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona. Two hydrogen refueling stations have been installed by the Air Products group for the event, one at the Drassanes dock with low hydrogen volume, and another at the Ponent dock with higher hydrogen volume. All teams participating in the 37th America's Cup must have at least one boat of this type, either self-constructed or acquired from ETNZ. Toyota, partner of Emirates Team New Zealand, played a significant role in facilitating the acquisition of the two most important fuel cells for Chase Zero.
- Science and technology have collaborated to create the hydrogen-powered "Chase Zero" boat, a significant innovation in both sustainable marine technology and high-performance sailing, as seen in the 37th America's Cup.
- In environmental-science and sports, the America's Cup is pushing boundaries by adopting hydrogen fuel cells for their support boats, like the "Chase Zero," a prototype developed by Emirates Team New Zealand and Toyota, marking a milestone in moving away from fossil fuels towards clean energy.
- The hydrogen-powered "Chase Zero" boat, used in the 37th America's Cup, boasts hydrogen fuel cells technology, offering zero emissions, advanced foiling technology for speed and efficiency, and is an automated marvel from the realms of technology and environmental-science.
