Conquer the sea with ARCUS.
Our reliable AC-DC back-up power.
INTRODUCING ARCUS
OUR JOURNEY
AltSpark began with a mission to revolutionize marine energy. Through innovation and dedication, we developed a hybrid power solution that ensures reliable, sustainable energy for boats, paving the way for a cleaner and efficient boating.
OUR VISION
To lead the way in marine energy solutions by effectively integrating diesel and electric power, ensuring safety and reliability for all vessels in emergency situations.
THE ARCUS
Arcus is a robust AC-DC power converter designed to provide reliable backup power for marine applications. With its durable construction and efficient conversion, Arcus ensures a consistent, stable power supply for your emergency needs, even in the harshest marine environments.
WHY ARCUS?
EFFICIENT
Arcus efficiently converts three-phase AC power to DC with minimal energy loss using high-quality components, optimized heat management, and is designed to be compatible with high-voltage systems.
RELIABLE
Arcus uses durable, high-quality components and is thoroughly tested to ensure stable, long-term performance in harsh conditions. Arcus demonstrates partial compliance with RoHS and UL 9540 standards.
SAFE
Arcus is housed in an IP67 enclosure to prevent damage from water and dust. We designed Arcus with overcurrent protections and tested at lower voltages before utilizing with high voltages for safe operation.
ENERGIZING INNOVATION
RECTIFIER
A rectifier converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
TRANSFORMER
transfers electrical energy between circuits by stepping voltage up or down through electromagnetic induction.
HIGH VOLTAGE PCB
This PCB has DC-DC Buck Converter, Current sensor, Transformer, Voltage Regulator Circuits.This PCB is the core of our project, containing the main components responsible for power conversion. It takes power from the engine's alternator and converts it to charge the battery pack. Since the circuit operates at very high voltages, it's crucial to ensure the components are spaced properly to prevent overheating and avoid failure.​
INDUCTOR
stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it, opposing changes in current.
LOW VOLTAGE PCB
This PCB has the microcontroller, transformers, Voltage Regulators, Optocoupler, and a High Side Driver. This PCB supplies power to the microcontroller, which requires low voltage. A phase (one of the separate currents generated by the engine) passes through components that step down and convert the power to a safe level for the microcontroller and current sensor, preventing excessive voltage.
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The LCD screen displays key information, including the status of Arcus, voltage, and current. LED lights indicate the charging status: green for fully charged, blue for charging, and red for an error.
Microcontroller (ESP32 DevkitM-1)
This is the system's brain, handling battery monitoring, fault detection, and user interactions. It processes sensor data to adjust charging and ensures safe operation through features like automatic shutdowns.
Meet The Team
We first met in September 2022 when our program began. In the fall of 2024, we teamed up with our client, Lindsay Stretch to start the AltSpark project. Driven by a shared commitment to sustainable innovation, we aim to develop a dependable solution for the future of marine energy.
Expressing Our Gratitude
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our client, Lindsay Stretch, for his incredible support and generosity. His belief in us has made all this possible! To our instructors, thank you for your invaluable advice and guidance throughout this journey. Your expertise has been essential in helping us achieve our goals.
A special thank you goes to our prep-room staff, whose dedication and willingness to assist at every turn ensured everything ran smoothly. We are incredibly thankful to each of you for your contributions, support, and patience. Finally, thank you to Camosun College for providing the resources and environment that allowed us to grow and succeed.
CONNECT WITH US
Camosun College - Interurban Campus
4461 Interurban Road
Victoria, BC Canada
V9E 2C1