Abstract
The current generation of sailing robots require
a small number of essential components in order to function
successfully. These include some kind of sail and a device for de-
tecting the direction of the wind, in order to ensure that the angle
of attack of the sail is suitable for the course to be sailed. These
two devices present some of the most difficult engineering and
control system challenges in building sailing robots. This paper
summarises a number of experimental designs and approaches
to the construction of these components. In particular a number
of wingsail construction and control techniques are presented
as well as designs for mechanical and ultrasonic wind direction
sensors. All of the devices presented have been built and tested
by the authors. Commentary on the performance and interaction
of the devices is also presented.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 23-30 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Jul 2009 |