Solar energy and navy

 

Sailboats competition

Since time immemorial, solar energy, like a luminous and benevolent caress, has enveloped our world. Today, it proves to be one of the most radiant solutions to contemporary energy and ecological challenges. Whether used explicitly or implicitly, this infinite, ecological, and pure resource is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers, technicians, but especially individuals and authorities. There are various ways to capture solar energy. Whether through the use of photovoltaic cells that transform light into electricity by exploiting semiconductor materials such as silicon, by capturing heat directly via solar water heaters, through solar thermal power plants that concentrate sunlight using mirrors to drive steam turbines and generate electricity, or thanks to the ingenuity of architects who design buildings to optimize natural heating, lighting, and ventilation, solar energy offers a multitude of possibilities.
What a wonderful discovery made in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel: photovoltaic solar energy! The cells, like a complex network, catch the light photons to transform them into dynamic electrical energy. I am literally captivated by the creativity and technological advancements in the maritime field. Indeed, the oceans are responsible for nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, primarily due to the use of heavy fuel oil by ships worldwide.

Sailing with a solar sail at sea offers numerous advantages: it helps reduce emissions, lowers operational costs, and actively supports sustainable development. However, a few obstacles remain. The investment costs remain astronomical, adapting to ships already in service proves to be a real headache, and the results are subject to the whims of the weather.
Solar sails at sea take advantage of advancements made in various fields: more efficient solar panels, innovative materials that are both strong and lightweight and corrosion-resistant, navigation assisted by intelligent automated sails, and the use of lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries to store energy (valuable during nights or cloudy days).
As global rules tighten—with bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aiming to halve CO₂ emissions by 2050—solar sailing at sea is set to become a cornerstone in the ecological transition of transporting goods and passengers.
Pioneering rigid solar sails, such as "EnergySails" or wing-type sails, have demonstrated remarkable fuel savings, reaching up to 30% on certain routes. These advancements pave the way for broader adoption in the field of maritime navigation.

Many shipping companies and shipyards are embarking on the adventure of solar sails, thus sailing towards a more ecological and innovative future. Among the notable initiatives, we can mention the Eco Marine Power project in Japan, which envisions hybrid rigid sails cleverly combining solar panels.
The Oceanbird, a proud Swedish vessel, will sail through the vastness of the Atlantic, carrying its precious automotive cargo, propelled by imposing sails and the benevolent power of the sun. Luxurious yachts and leisure catamarans are exploring the use of flexible solar sails to generate electricity on board, ensuring autonomy at sea and the well-being of travelers. 

The Norwegian cruise operator is embarking on the adventure of creating a ship with zero carbon emissions by 2030. Hurtigruten unveils the first images of its revolutionary electric ship, proudly featuring solar sails to sail towards an eco-friendly future. In pursuit of an ecological transformation, Hurtigruten plans to reduce the size of its fleet by opting for customized ships to ensure a carbon-neutral footprint. The initiative called "Sea Zero" brings together a dozen maritime partners in collaboration with the SINTEF research institute. Its goal is to cover distances with no carbon footprint whatsoever. The ships will sail using electric energy and will recharge their batteries once docked at port. They will face a significant challenge with their retractable sails of 1500 m² of solar panels, capable of meeting a multitude of energy needs on board. Hurtigruten also offers the possibility to navigate with propellers that turn in reverse and retractable thrusters. This giant of the seas will stretch over 135 meters, housing 270 cabins to pamper 500 travelers and accommodating 99 dedicated sailors. Thanks to its streamlined silhouette, it will be able to slice through the air with elegance, thereby reducing its energy expenditure. Artificial intelligence should make maneuvers easier. This artificial intelligence will gather information to perfect docking techniques tailored to each port, thereby optimizing maneuvers during unfavorable weather conditions. Travelers will have the power to regulate the airflow in their cabins using a mobile app while closely monitoring their energy footprint.

Navigation using solar sails at sea represents a silent but crucial revolution for the maritime industry. It skillfully merges heritage and innovation, harnessing natural energies to reinvent the art of sailing towards the future. Despite the persistent technical and economic challenges, the advancements made suggest a future where the oceans will be traversed by silent, ecological, and autonomous ships, sailing thanks to human ingenuity and the alliance of wind and solar energy.
Solar energy appears as a ray of hope for tomorrow, combining respect for nature and an inexhaustible source of innovative ideas. Despite the challenges it may present, this technology proves to be a valuable ally in building a cleaner, fairer, and more independent world. The solar star, a generous provider of life and dynamism, continues to guide us and push us towards unexplored horizons, flooding our minds with light and inspiration.

Hurtigruten Norway's ships are to be solar-wind powered and AI maneuvered.

Note: the propulsion sails are retractable

Beauty

 

                                                                 Watercolor of Amarie

Beauty, both varied and profound, exerts an infinite fascination on me. It transcends the physical realm to impact my heart, my mind, and my soul. Beauty, whether it manifests in nature, human interactions, or artistic works, represents a universal ideal that inspires, elevates, and enriches me. By celebrating the vast diversity of human aesthetic characteristics, I learn to appreciate the specificities of each individual on Earth.
The human brain's appreciation of beauty highlights the importance of symmetry, proportions, and colors. Symmetrical faces or harmonious landscapes stimulate brain regions associated with pleasure and appreciation. With passion, I began the analysis of the relationships between beauty and attraction, highlighting the influence of aesthetic standards on our social interactions. I am convinced that beauty possesses the ability to provide comfort, inspire, and motivate by promoting well-being and fostering flourishing. Aesthetically pleasing environments, such as a functional modern house with soothing shapes and colors, a botanical garden with an innovative structure and carefully maintained original flowering plants, watching or creating a captivating work of art, reading a poem by Victor Hugo, "Les Djinns," or listening to the moving music of Jean Sebastian Bach's Cello Suites, have the ability to enhance my emotional well-being by reducing stress levels.
Writers and philosophers such as Victor Hugo or Socrates have emphasized the idea that true beauty lies within, in the soul and actions, and not in physical appearance. Indeed, apart from physical appearance, inner beauty reveals itself as complex and profound. It is frequently associated with moral, emotional, and intellectual attributes. Kindness, generosity, tolerance, intelligence, and inspiration represent manifestations of beauty that transcend age and physical appearance.
The media and advertising have significantly influenced perceptions of beauty. The press disseminates unrealistic aesthetic standards, thereby creating social pressure on our current youth regarding physical appearance. It is true that ancient Greece imposed beauty standards close to human perfection, equally unattainable, and that the multi-talented artist Leonardo da Vinci adopted them as criteria of excellence in his works. Over the centuries, beauty standards have evolved according to different historical periods and various cultures.
The perception of beauty is subjective and influenced by various factors, such as temporal, spatial, and emotional contexts, thus surpassing the limits imposed by cultural, social, and individual differences. The Romantic movement in literature and the arts highlighted the relationship between man and nature, bringing to light the imperative to maintain a balance between society and the environment. Moreover, true beauty resides within nature. From the mountains to the ocean, passing through the twilight sky, nature offers a diversity of visual and sensory experiences that have a profound impact on human beings.
Builders and architects throughout the ages have always aspired to excellence by examining how natural elements, fractals, and symmetrical patterns contribute to a universal aesthetic, boldly combining modern forms with ancient classical currents. 

Young Talent or Virtuose

 

Watercolor by Amarie

In my opinion, talent can be defined as a natural and innate ability that manifests from the very first moments of life. This aptitude can appear in various fields such as the arts, sciences, or sports. Subsequently, time is taken to develop, shape, and refine it to allow it to fully flourish. In adulthood, these individuals have developed remarkable skills that demonstrate exceptional potential and set them apart from others; they become virtuosos (music), famous artists (arts), geniuses (science), and athletes (sports).

When one looks up the definition of this term in the dictionary, one can only be struck by the lack of detail and precision surrounding it. Indeed, it is described as an exceptional ability in the intellectual or artistic field, without specifying other criteria or characteristics that define this talent. Is it possible that this ability is the result of a skill developed gradually through experience, a natural gift present from birth, or a simply innate inclination, or is it rather the result of a complex combination of one or several of these factors? The question of the nature of talent sparks lively debate among specialists, researchers, and people passionate about this subject. Indeed, the complexity and diversity of talents, whether innate or acquired, the multiple forms they can take, as well as the different fields in which they can be expressed, their genetic or non-genetic origins, their simultaneous manifestations of multiple gifts, and their evolutionary potential thanks to a supernatural physical and mental capacity. These fields notably include art in all its forms, the sports domain with its various disciplines, and the intellectual domain encompassing thought, creativity, and problem-solving.

 At what level of skill or ability must a person reach to be recognized as talented? Is it possible to spot certain signs that can reveal these talents? Yes, of course, such as an ability to quickly assimilate new information, a skill in finding original solutions to complex problems, or a passionate and constant interest in a particular field.

see Youtube: Violin virtuoso Yeonah Kim (10j) playing Vivaldi in airport of Rome with Julien Cohen on piano in august 2024

https://1drv.ms/v/c/d423ee36d84c527d/EZs6xZo-9IVCiJSWSyCsVEBFtC2_qr3l-cMm65X4Qr-3g

In summary, talent is a valuable component of human diversity, enriching society through the creativity, performances, and exceptional achievements it allows.

Healthy Proteins

  

 

One of my ancestors, a merchant, traded all kinds of seeds, selling them wholesale or retail, whether they were intended for consumption or not, to individuals, institutional kitchens, gardeners, or nurserymen. This profession shone brightly before, during, and after the Second World War.
During the turmoil of the war, faced with the scarcity of meat, people gradually embraced legumes, those precious seeds nestled in their plant-based pods, to sustain themselves. There were individuals who had completely given up meat, and at home, a large amount of beans, lentils, and peas were incorporated into the weekly menus. Everyone became engrossed in gardening, transforming every available space into fertile land: from terraces to balconies, each person passionately sowed vegetables, accompanied by delicious legumes in simple yet tasty recipes. After the end of the war, surprisingly, the general nutritional state had considerably improved. Nowadays, it is essential to highlight this food in our diet due to its numerous benefits for our well-being. Their nutritional qualities are already shining through. It is important to distinguish between forage legumes such as alfalfa, sainfoin, lupin, birdsfoot trefoil, clover, and vetch, and grain legumes intended for human consumption such as soybeans, fava beans, lentils (brown, green, coral, etc.), broad beans, beans (black, red, white, mungo, azuki, etc.), peas, and chickpeas.

Starchy foods include cereals (such as rice, semolina, and pasta) and potatoes, as well as various cereal flours used to make bread and pancakes (such as wheat, buckwheat, spelt, millet, and many others). On the other hand, let's look at legumes, which are packed with top-notch energy and play a crucial role in regulating hunger due to their high carbohydrate content with a low glycemic index. Presenting themselves in the form of starch accompanied by fiber and protein, these components offer top-notch fuel for the brain and muscles. They have the fabulous characteristic of containing no traces of gluten. Thanks to their exceptional fiber content, ranging from 4.5 to 16.5 g per 100 g once cooked, these foods make the goal of 25 g of fiber recommended per day more accessible. They serve as vigilant protectors, obstructing the absorption of fats and cholesterol, delaying the conversion of sugars, and averting the accumulation of undesirable residues in the intricate intestines. Dietary fibers play the role of a conductor in the intestinal ballet: they bulk up the stools, juggle with water in case of diarrhea, and prevent constipation. They encourage the flourishing of intestinal bacteria and help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

The undeniable advantage of storing them in jars for extended periods without any concerns is evident. You can enjoy these legumes in a velouté, mashed, or simply after letting them infuse and simmer. The magic of cooking dried legumes works depending on the soaking and cooking time, which varies according to the type chosen. For example, to prepare chickpeas or beans, you need to let them soak in water overnight before subjecting them to a prolonged cooking session, lasting from 1 to 3 hours. When time is tight, you can opt for canned goods that you wash thoroughly before adding them to your recipes. Savory dishes like cassoulet, lentil stew, chili con carne, baked beans, and many others pair well with dried fruits. You can also invite them to dance in fresh salads, letting your imagination run wild or following the advice of a cookbook specialized in legumes.

                                                                   
                                                           1938—Golden Lion Place, 4, Ghent

                                                        Merchant, A. De Meese, Grossist & Detail