Craft with wind drive

摘要

Wheels or marine screw propeller of a landcraft or watercraft are driven by a wind turbine via long shafts, hydraulic or mechanical transmission elements. In this case, the wind turbine is arranged such that a component of the lift produced at the turbine compensates the weight of the turbine including drive elements. Again, the point of application of the air forces acting on the turbine is located at the centre of gravity, at the lateral centre of gravity or in the vicinity of corresponding points in such a way that no, or insignificant heeling forces act on the craft, particularly in the case of watercraft. The support spar holding the turbine is connected to the chassis of the craft cardanically in order that the turbine can align itself automatically with the wind direction. During stoppage, the weight is compensated by a spring or a counterweight.