Monnoyeu - DUO for a JOB photographed by Giancarlo Pedote aboard Prysmian[/caption]
The Race | Vendée Globe and Its Demands on Energy Systems
The Vendée Globe is widely regarded as the most challenging solo sailing race on the planet. Competitors navigate around the globe, nonstop, without assistance. That means no pit stops, no tow boats, and no room for error. Every component on board, from sails to sensors, has to work in perfect harmony under brutal conditions—often for weeks or even months at sea. In that environment, a boat’s systems become the lifeline–with the energy system being no different. GPS, autopilots, communications, desalination systems, and weather routing all depend on a reliable and intelligently managed power supply. Without it, a sailor is effectively blind, deaf, and adrift. This is where the Wakespeed’s WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator earns its stripes.
The Product | What Makes the WS500 Special?
The WS500 is a next-generation smart alternator regulator built to deliver unmatched precision and flexibility. Unlike traditional regulators that rely on crude voltage thresholds, the WS500 operates using real-time data from CAN bus networks, Battery Management Systems (BMS), and other sensors to dynamically control alternator output. In Sebastien Simon’s setup, the alternator regulator is integrated as part of a sophisticated energy ecosystem. In practice, this means that every amp-hour is maximized. The system knows exactly what the batteries need at any given moment and adjusts alternator output accordingly, preventing overcharging, undercharging, and heat buildup, while maintaining high levels of efficiency over long periods of operation. The alternator regulator doesn’t just charge batteries. It thinks, communicates, and adapts.The Integration | OceanPlanet Energy and the AP500 System
Bringing this system to life is no small feat, especially on a racing yacht where weight, reliability, and simplicity are everything. That’s where Bruce Schwab and his team at OceanPlanet Energy (OPE) step in. A veteran solo ocean racer himself, Bruce understands the stakes better than most. His company specializes in advanced DC systems for marine and expedition-grade applications, and their expertise was essential in designing and installing Sebastien Simon’s system. Key features of this system include:- Smart Relay Control via FCC (Field and Charge Control): This allows the BMS to enable or disable alternator charging as needed—a crucial feature for systems where overcharging can lead to safety issues or shortened lifespan.
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Remote Toggling of Charging Power: The system includes a feature that lets the sailor switch the alternator regulator into “half power mode” to reduce alternator load during low-engine RPM scenarios or sensitive electrical conditions.
>Complete CAN Bus Integration: The system is fully connected via RV-C CAN bus to other monitoring and control systems, allowing real-time diagnostics, optimization, and seamless integration into the vessel’s electrical network.
