摘要 |
<p>A wind propulsion system primarily for ships comprises a substantially cylindrical rotor (2) rotatable about its central longitudinal axis and, rotatably integral with the rotor (2) to form an axial extension thereof, a wind turbine (4) including a plurality of elongate blades (6,8) each of curved shape in transverse section, the diameter of the peripheral envelope (10) of the blades (6,8) being less than the diameter of the rotor (2). In use and with the central longitudinal axis of the system extending transversely to the wind direction, the turbine (4) is rotated by the wind at a peripheral speed WT, the increased diameter of the rotor (2) resulting in the rotor (2) being rotated at a proportionally increased peripheral speed WR whereby a propulsive force LR is established in accordance with the Magnus effect. <IMAGE></p> |