Queen's Jubilee Barge "Gloriana" Goes Green With Goodwolfe Energy

    ESSEX, ENGLAND, July 12, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The 27m Queens Rowbarge "Gloriana" led the Diamond Jubilee Pageant of 1000 vessels on the River Thames on the 3rd of June, when she received wide acclamation from the crowds gathered on the banks and bridges of the great river. Gloriana was designed to be rowed by a team of 18 oarsman in traditional fashion. However with the vagaries of tide, wind and river flow and the need for the vessel to maintain its position at the head of the squadron safely in all eventualities, it was decided at the outset to fit an advanced pure electric drive system within the craft.

The Lithium Battery system developed by Goodwolfe Energy for this project consists of 16 x 24V 100Ah Lithium batteries, wired in series and parallel to give a total stored energy of 40kWh at 52V, enough for approx. 6 hours of cruising. Uniquely the system had to be configured via 2 distribution / contactor boxes, so that the battery pack can power either both drives together, or in the event of a fault all the power can diverted to the remaining electric drive.

Touch screens are mounted on the helm to display all the information needed to the Skipper on this important day, including the percentage of charge left in the battery and the time remaining until flat, with alarms built-in in case attention wanders.

In river trials the vessel met the designed hull speed comfortably under power, cruising at a comfortable 5 knots, easily assuring the designed life of 6 hours.

Goodwolfe Energy is proud to have been associated with the Queens Jubilee.

Gloriana will also be on display throughout the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Website: http://www.goodwolfe.com

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