Hydrogen-Powered Boat Races with Peplink-Powered Network

Hydrogen-Powered Boat Races with Peplink-Powered Network

Peplink is no stranger to the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team as they have been working with Frontier BV for years now. This time, the team designed a hydrogen-powered boat and is preparing to compete in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge this July 2022. Once again, they turned to Frontier BV to help them deploy a communication network solution for their boat.

Challenge

The TU Delft Hydro Motion Team was looking for a stable network onboard their hydrogen-powered boat. Clear communications between the crew onboard and crew on shore was a requirement for their upcoming 4 hour long race in Monaco. Other than distance, landscapes in between the boat and the team on shore would affect signals. The physical obstacles are expected to eliminate classic VHF radio as a means of communication.

On top of ensuring no fixed lines are needed, Frontier BV was also tasked to provide a solution that would be reliable despite the location. This was requested as the hydrogen-powered boat will be racing across Moroccan, French, and Italian coastal waters. Additionally, the team wanted a solution that would allow them to easily monitor and manage the solution from the shore.

Solution

Frontier BV first installed on the hydrogen-powered boat a MAX Transit Duo Pro. The router was equipped with 2 SIMs from different cellular providers to cover the international waters. In addition, they provided a Mobility 42G antenna on the boat to focus signal reception despite the physical distance or obstructions.

The team on shore used InControl 2 so they could monitor the network onboard and remotely manage the communication system. Furthermore, the team also was given access to FusionHub for live data transmission.

“With all these services, the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team can consistently communicate and keep all data acquired during testing and racing for further analysis to keep making the boat better.”
TU Delft Hydro Motion Team

Result

Now, staying connected to the network and to the team on shore is not a concern for the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team. The MAX Transit Duo Pro, while connected to the FusionHub, utilizes SpeedFusion’s Hot Failover technology to stay online. When connection to one cellular provider drops, it automatically transfers the session to the other link.

The installed Mobility 42G, which comes in an IP68 rated enclosure, is able to withstand the crashing waves and any weather conditions. This, while ensuring the MAX Transit Duo Pro receives the best signals. Additionally, the team on shore is able to track network activity including the boat’s through InControl 2.

Even at speeds of 40km/h, any data being transmitted from the boat to the team on shore is received with no loss, even if one of the connections drops. The team now has a clear image of the state of the hydrogen-powered boat and is confident in making safe and strategic calls. With this network in place, and thanks to Frontier BV, TU Delft Hydro Motion Team is ready to race.