Find out more about the JPS Concept solutions developed for PRB

Photo : B.STICHELBAUT / PRB

When we first met the Team PRB Voile in 2006, IMOCA 60 Class racing yachts were fitted with lead acid batteries, heavy alternators and enormous fuel tanks. The idea of a new architecture based on networked modular Li-Ion batteries, Supercapacitors and a generator instead of the alternators seemed more like science fiction than straightforward development.

Vincent Riou immediately grasped the potential of the system and gave his permission for it to be fitted to his new boat at that time even though the project was still on the drawing board. The result was a weight reduction of hundreds of kilos, and a system that has now become the standard on all hi-tech monohulls and multihulls.

We would like to take this opportunity of sincerely thanking Vincent and every member of his team, but especially Laurent, Jacques and Jean-Marc, for their trust in us and their invaluable assistance throughout these years of collaboration.

The initial problem

→ The need to reduce weight
→ The need to install an energy storage solution for the full duration of an IMOCA 60 project (4 years).
→ The need to minimise the battery charging time
→ The need to maintain voltage levels during keel canting (avoiding power outages)
→ The need to view battery status and introduce functional alarms
→ The need for an ultra-reliable system with easy installation backup systems

The solutions delivered by JPS Concept

→ Installation of a networked system of high-performance Li-Ion batteries in parallel, so that if one or more batteries become defective, the others continue to power the boat
→ Installation of a high-performance (Generator) battery charging system.
A charging efficiency increase from 50% to 88%
→ Upgrading of onboard systems (DC-DC converters and other confidential systems)
→ Installation of Supercapacitors and a high-performance charge converter to power the canting keel system and start the diesel engine. The current drawn from the Li-Ion batteries is limited to 60A, while the current supplied to the hydraulic generator may be up to 250A
→ Detailed monitoring of batteries via an ADC Bus: monitoring of voltage, current, temperature, etc.
→ Since 2016, the monitoring system has evolved to use a NAVICOLOR display to show the current generated by the hydraulic generator and optional wind generator, and instant boat consumption. Alarms programmable by Vincent Riou have also been added: low battery, end of charging, engine compartment water ingress alarms, etc.
→ A CAPAS STARTER 32V 50F Supercapacitor module dedicated solely to diesel engine starting has been added to comply with IMOCA 60 technical specifications.