Abstract: A method for controlling a wind propulsion device arranged on a vessel includes providing pressure information from a first pressure sensor arranged on a surface of the wind propulsion device, estimating pressure distribution on the surface of the wind propulsion device based on the pressure information from the first pressure sensor, providing angular position information of wind propulsion device, estimating apparent wind angle based on the angular position information of wind propulsion device and the estimated pressure distribution on the surface of the wind propulsion device, using the estimated apparent wind angle for determining initial approximation for control parameters, and using the estimated pressure distribution as a feedback in closed-loop control method to optimise the control parameters of the wind propulsion device.

Abstract: A propulsion system (102) for an aquatic vessel (100) is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors (108) and a drive arrangement (147) for rotating the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The plurality of Magnus-type rotors are operable to rotate about corresponding substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a control arrangement (150) for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. Each of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors includes a hollow region (116) therein. Each of the Magnus-type rotors is rotationally supported onto a support arrangement (118) which extends into the hollow region. The drive arrangement includes at least one motor (148) disposed in the hollow region and located outside the support arrangement such that the at least one motor is accessible for maintenance.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a rotor body of a Magnus-type rotor. The method includes providing a plurality of arcuate panels, wherein each of the panels has an arc-length less than a predetermined circumference of the rotor body. The method further includes positioning at least three such arcuate panels in mutual edge-wise abutment to form circumferentially a hollow cylindrical loop, wherein longitudinal edges of adjacent panels are mutually attached to each other. The method further optionally includes co-axially stacking one above another at least two loops of substantially similar diameter. The method further includes connecting edges of adjacent loops to define the rotor body of a predetermined height.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aquatic vessel is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors and a drive arrangement for rotating the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The plurality of Magnus-type rotors are operable to rotate about corresponding substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a control arrangement for receiving one or more measured apparent wind speeds and for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The rates of rotations may, for example, be varied as functions of the measured apparent wind speeds and a direction of travel of the aquatic vessel. Moreover, the control arrangement includes a user-operable control for adjusting propulsion provided by the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The control arrangement is operable to control the drive arrangement to vary a drive applied to rotate one or more Magnus-type rotors from the plurality of Magnus-type rotors.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aquatic vessel is provided. The propulsion system includes one or more Magnus-type rotors that are operable to rotate about their respective substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a drive arrangement for rotating the Magnus-type rotors, and a control arrangement for receiving one or more measured apparent wind speeds and for controlling the drive arrangement to vary a rate of rotations of each of the Magnus-type rotors, for example, as a function of the measured apparent wind speeds. Moreover, the control arrangement is additionally provided in operation with future route information for the aquatic vessel, together with weather forecast information for use in controlling the drive arrangement for improving propulsion provided by the Magnus-type rotors.