Seastead Design Overview
Container and Structural Design
The seastead is designed to fit into a High Cube 45-foot container> with the following dimensions:
- Width: 7.7 ft
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- Height: 8.9 ft
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- Length: 44.6 ft
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- Max Weight: 62,000 lbs
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The seastead's buoyancy is rated at 27,500 lbs, with the structure designed to support humans and their belongings.
Above-Water Structure
A large equilateral triangle frame> with a side length of 44.0 feet forms the primary structure. This frame serves as the wall of the living area, standing 7 feet tall (floor to ceiling). The interior is fully enclosed, and a 3-foot-wide walkway surrounds the outside, including the ceiling.
- The walkway features an aluminum grating> to allow water to pass through while providing a safe surface for walking.
- Floor-to-ceiling structural beams connect the midpoints of the walls, forming a smaller 22-foot triangle above the living area.
- Two doors, each 2 feet from the left and right sides of the back wall, provide access to the dinghy.
Propulsion and Steering
The seastead is driven by six RIM drive thrusters,>, each with a 1.5-foot diameter, located around the base of the legs. These thrusters are fixed in orientation and use differential thrust for steering.
- Two helical mooring screws> are installed near each corner to provide stability when parked in calm waters.
- A kite robot> system is proposed as a backup propulsion and steering mechanism. This autonomous robot, equipped with direct-drive thrusters and a stacked kite system, can adjust the seastead's orientation and maintain position independently of the main propulsion system.
Floats, Fins, and Stability
The seastead features three large float/fin structures, each 21.5 feet long and shaped like NACA 0035 airfoils. These structures provide buoyancy and act as stabilizers, similar to daggerboards.
- Each float extends 7.25 feet below the waterline, with the top half designed to remain above the surface for easy access, including a built-in ladder.
- Bezels on the leading edge of the fins ensure a smooth profile, reducing drag during forward motion.
- Electrical systems are redundant, with each float containing its own charge controller and inverter to ensure independent operation.
Dinghy and Connectivity
The seastead includes a docking system for a 14-foot RIB dinghy> positioned near the back center. A walkway connects the two seasteads, enabling movement between units for community living.
- The dinghy is stored deflated in the center of the seastead's backside, shielded from wind when the seastead is in motion.
- Two additional seasteads can connect in a line, with the walkway between them minimizing movement while allowing communication.
Kite Robot System
The proposed kite robot system> is a novel addition to the seastead design. This autonomous robot operates on a track along the front of the seastead, using a stack of kites to adjust orientation and provide additional propulsion.
- The robot uses string-controlled kites> to tack upwind,决议 élan, and stabilize the seastead, mimicking a sailboat's ability to adjust its angle relative to the wind.
- The kites are positioned on the downwind side of the seastead, ensuring the ropes do not interfere with the living area.
- The system can charge the kite batteries by using the kite's motion, though this adds complexity to the design.
This system provides an additional layer of redundancy and offers the potential for efficient upstream travel with minimal energy consumption.
Additional Features
- Solar panels> cover the roof, providing renewable energy for the thrusters and other systems.
- Heave plates are installed on the lower sections of the floats to dampen the seastead's response to waves.
- The seastead's compact design ensures it can be shipped to any shipyard for assembly.
Conclusion
The seastead design integrates innovative features like autonomous control systems,>, redundant power systems,>, and visually distinct upper and lower structures> to achieve a balance between functionality, safety, and sustainability. The proposed kite robot system adds an exciting layer of autonomy and efficiency, while the modular design ensures ease of assembly and transportation.
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