The piano-inspired Fibonacci electric catamaran promises a completely new experience on the water

 

 

 

Fibonacci – the futuristic yacht designed to push sailing experience to new extents.

The philosophy of the ‘Fibonacci’ electric catamaran by Icona design is that of a symphony at sea, its design reflecting the elegant metaphor of a grand piano.

With this debut, Icona Design Group officially enters the yachting design sector.

This new electric concept yacht is designed to immerse travelers in a musical setting while sailing on the silent ocean. It offers a luxurious cocktail lounge perfect for hosting guests and parties. Such a simple and practical architecture not only fits the bill for a cruising vacation but would also offer the perfect scenery to gather music afficionados together for a chamber music concert on the sea…

“ICONA has gained a reputation as a visionary in the area of new mobility, from autonomous vehicles to delivery robots. Now that “mobility on the ground” has become a reference for the market, it is time to explore new “mobility on water”, by launching a new field of activity for the Icona group and celebrating our first decade in 2020,” said Teresio Gaudio, ICONA’s President and CEO.

Tomorrow’s green boating experience will no longer be for a few aficionados: with the technological evolution and sustainability now offered, boats should be designed differently to embrace a wider spectrum of people and use. Icona has chosen to demonstrate these new technologies through a disruptive design and a project developed with partners Hydrotec, Terra Modena Mechatronic, ASG power and StudioRPR.

“After designing the multiple award-winning Nucleus autonomous driving vehicle, we wanted to apply once again a futuristic vision of transport but this time on water. This is an evolution which remains a silent and elegant speed form – sustainable, non- aggressive and inviting, for both pilot and occupants,” said Samuel Chuffart, VP and Global design Director of ICONA.

The use of asymmetry gives a sense of movement to the yacht even when it is stationary. It certainly looks very “haute couture” as a result.

The catamaran takes advantage of electric powered cruising with a Hydrogen range extender (like the Icona Nucleus concept vehicle). The drive by wire technology together with mouse pad control provides ease of maneuverability, ensuring this is no longer the domain of the boat specialist. 360-degree camera vision and sensors are also included, ensuring no errors in docking. Modern GPS and satellite vision complete the offer for a boat technology that invites a new type of adventurer.

The mission profile of this solution is a day or weekend cruise: a 24 hours cycle, 12 hours at sea (50 kw propulsion – 10 kw hotel) and 12 hours on anchor (10 kw hotel).

With a length overall of 16,60 meters a beam o.a. of 8,20 and a weight of 32 tons, the boat can reach a top speed of 15 knots.

Two battery packs of 340 kWh provide energy to two high-performance electric motors of 200kW peak power. The same battery packs will provide as well an all-comfort but efficient hotel set.

The particular lithium batteries provided by ASG Power have a life of 14,000 cycles and can be recharged from 0 to 100% in just 20’ thanks to their high capacity and a specific high power recharging system (Charging Rate 3C). This powerplant, which includes high efficient propellers and rudders, guarantees a range of 150 miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

The Electronic Vehicle Control UNIT (VCU), designed by Terra Modena acts as a controller of all the propulsion system (Motor, Inverter, batteries and torque/speed demand) and supply all the necessary data needed for telemetry, for navigating and to grant all the necessary safety. The VCU will grant as well the integration with the hydrogen power range extender (fuel cells). A CANbus allows easy interconnection of controllers and all devices such as displays and power and management controls.

Recharging of the batteries for hotel applications will also be possible through solar panels, wind and wave generators.