FURUNO Ecopilot acts on the autopilot's solenoid valve

The "Ecopilot" energy saving device was developed to meet the need for electrical energy saving in sailing boats.

The on-board power reserve is often very limited, but it is essential for the operation of an autopilot system. The "Ecopilot" acts on the solenoid valve that activates the autopilot. The power consumption of this solenoid valve accounts for a large part of the total autopilot consumption.
Its effect is to let the current through to turn on the solenoid valve in a short moment. Then the current is significantly reduced, but still sufficient to hold the solenoid valve in position.

Thanks to this system, the daily consumption of the solenoid valve is reduced from an average of 30 Ah to 5 Ah.