How it works

Wind Engines use a principle of physics called the Magnus Effect. Unlike land-based wind turbines, the Wind Engine is rotated by electric motors. When the wind hits the spinning rotor it will pass either side. In the direction of rotation the wind is accelerated. Against the rotation it is resisted. This sets up a high and low pressure differential not unlike an aircraft wing. This creates a thrust at over ninety degrees to the wind direction.

A vessel sailing with the wind on the beam is given forward thrust from the spinning wind engine. When the wind moves round from port to starboard a sail boat needs to tack. With a wind engine this is achieved by stopping the rotor and spinning it in the opposite direction. It provides the ship?s master with push button sailing from the bridge. Reefing in high winds is again a matter of simply stopping the rotation of the rotors.