Patent ID: 8225731
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A wingsail assembly comprising: a main aerofoil having a leading edge; a slot-forming vane assembly pivotally mounted forwardly of the leading edge of said main aerofoil, the vane assembly comprising a pair of first and second lateral vanes, positioned on opposite sides of the leading edge of said main aerofoil, and a central vane positioned between said lateral vanes and forwardly of said leading edge of the aerofoil; wherein said lateral vanes are disposed to define a first gap between said first lateral vane and said main aerofoil, a second gap between said second lateral vane and said main aerofoil, a third gap between said first lateral vane and said central vane and a fourth gap between said second lateral vane and said central vane; and wherein when said main aerofoil presents an angle of attack with respect to the wind, the pressure of the wind can move the vanes so whichever one of said lateral vanes is the leeward lateral vane is moved away from the main aerofoil, thereby enlarging the respective one of said first and second gaps with respect to the main aerofoil, and the central vane can move towards said leeward lateral vane to close the respective one of said third and fourth gaps and to enlarge that other one of the third and fourth gaps that is between said central vane and the windward lateral vane.