Sailing Yacht Zero sea trials #07: Testing hydrogeneration

The commissioning continues for sailing yacht Zero — and, this week, the team behind the vessel zeroed in on its hydrogeneration capabilities.

At the core of Zero is a specialised pod propulsion system equipped with a variable-pitch propeller. While this allows the yacht to travel — especially in and out of ports — its key function is as an underwater power source.

By adjusting the propeller position and blade angles, it captures kinetic energy from the boat's movement through the water to recharge the onboard batteries.

Developing this system was a huge undertaking, and the estimated energy capture was created by computer simulations. The real world is a different matter though. Out on the water, the hydrogeneration system must adapt to fluctuating wind speeds and wave motion to maintain optimal blade positioning to hit the energy targets.

Before Zero gets there though, dock testing comes first — and that’s what’s happening now. The propulsion control system (which handles propulsion, maneuvering, and regeneration) is linked directly into the yacht's broader power management system, and these two elements must be in perfect harmony with one another. That has been the team’s focus.

With dockside checks coming to a close, the team is ready to transition from theory to real-world testing. Make sure to check back next week as we continue following the journey of sailing yacht Zero!