Safety…cont. - PRDR Sustainable Energy for All

Designing of a Hybrid Fijian Outrigger
Sailing Canoe to optimize its performance
and safety
“Our generation's response to this challenge will be
judged by history, for if we fail to meet it -- boldly,
swiftly, and together -- we risk consigning future
generations to an irreversible catastrophe.”
President Barack Obama, September 22, 2009
Fiji National University
School of Mechanical Engineering
Presenter: Joji Marau Misaele
6:10:2011
Introduction
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Fiji comprises of more than 332 islands
110 are permanently inhabited, and
More than 500 islets
Total land area of 18,300 km2.
Introduction - cont.
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boats for transportation, for their daily chores including farming, fishing
and for their business activities.
Now they use fiberglass, wooden and aluminum boats of different
sizes powered with outboard motors ranging from 15 to 60 hp
Why it is important
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Require about $15 for a gallon of gasoline to go fishing or snorkeling on the reef
and return to their villages – a trip.
It will cost them approximately $90.00 per week on fuel if they go out on a daily
basis or so.
When they cannot afford they will be depriving themselves with their supply of
seafood and other activities which is an essential part of their livelihood and
food security.
Objective
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The basis of this research is to address this problem by revitalizing a more
economical, higher performance, safer, sustainable and environmentally
friendly traditional Fijian Outrigger Sailing Canoe.
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The basis of this research is also to reduce carbon emissions by using sails
and a smaller outboard motor of about 5 horsepower as backup.
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This research will also explore the use of solar and wind powered outboard
motor.
Outrigger Fijian Canoe in Suva Harbor
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2005
2014
Testing my Canoe with some Bigger and
Newly Build Canoes o the 22nd August 2014
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My
Canoe
Safety
Outrigger Buoyancy
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The lateral support floats known as outriggers, are fastened to the side of
the main hull. When there is wind turbulence, when tacking the sail and
also poor visibility of the wind direction especially sailing at night, the wind
could blow from the opposite side of the sail which could force the support
float to sink and rise from the other side of the main hull therefore
capsizing the canoe. This is a very common problem which has to be
solved. The buoyancy of the outrigger should be able to balance the wind
force from the opposite side. The main hull will act as the fulcrum.
Solution: We can put floaters on top of the outrigger to solve the problem.
Safety…cont.
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Safety…cont.
Floatability of the main hull
The main hull should have floaters on both ends of the main
hull to keep the main hull afloat when it is completely filled with
water. This will enable the water to be bailed out and the canoe
could be floated again especially in the deep waters.
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Safety…cont.
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Reduction of Leakages
The use modern power tools and fasteners
including adhesive glues for joining which
would reduce water leaks into the main hull.
Safety…cont.
Provision for a small outboard motor
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A support to be provided for an outboard motor beside the
main hull of the boat. This motor could be a 5 HP outboard
which runs on fuel or solar.
Safety…cont.
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Watertight top cover for the deck
Have to provide a watertight cover for the deck to prevent water
filling up the hull when sailing through huge waves.
Safety…cont.
Surface finish
– Provide suitable surface finish in and outside the
main hull and also on the outrigger to reduce
drag.
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Safety…cont.
Provide a suitable sail material
– Use of a proper sail material.
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Newly Build Canoes in 2014 Race
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Safety…cont.
Sealing of the side to the floor
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Exploring a way to seal the side board to the bottom of
the floor to stop water going into the main hull when
bailing the water out when the hull is full of water.
Benefits
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Reduce carbon emissions
Improve Food security and livelihood
Use readily available local resources in comparison to fibreglass boats
Sustainable and environmentally friendly
Cost reduction compared to fibreglass boat with a 40hp motor
Can be used to showcase the arts students on canoe building
Use of solar or wind to power the outboard motor
A first step to progressively improving the design and implementation
of the hybrid traditional Fijian outrigger sailing canoes
To have a sustainable green technology alternative to fibre glass boats
with 40 Hp outboard motors
Statisticss
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Deaths
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Type of accidents (causes)
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Ogea Island: 2 @ 55 years ago
Moce Island 2 @ eight years ago
Nayau: 4 @ 30 years ago
Fulaga 50 @ > 50year ago on a Drua
Water filling up the main Hull when hit by huge waves
Outrigger sinking due to wind turbulence or wind approaching from the back of sail
Outrigger rising over the main Hull and capsizing
Fibreglass vs Outrigger Canoe
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Fiberglass boat
Outrigger Canoe
Power
Fuel, 40Hp
Wind, Pedal
Cost
$18000
$150
Weather
Does not depend on wind
Depend on wind
Speed
varies
~ can reach up to 20 knots
Safety
sinks
Does not sink
Conclusion
Re-introducing a more economical, higher
performance and safer traditional Fijian
Outrigger Sailing Canoe will reduce number
of deaths, safer and have an impact on their
lifestyle therefore a more healthier
community. It will also to reduce carbon
emissions by using sails and if necessary a
solar outboard motor.
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2013 Race
2014 Race
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Fiji National University's winning canoe FNU Babale - at the Suva harbour.
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Thank you
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