Hi!
The lorsail post with autonomus boats over the Pacific grows exponentially. Thus, I sart a new one. For you how are not aware of the Ljungstrom rig use a search engine like Google. The self-righting problem of a non-monohull rc must be solved in case of Volvo Ocean Race for rc. As discussed under lorsails post a multi-feasbility air-bag can be adopted. Besides all the benefits of the Ljungstrom rig the self-righting moment is thrilling, in case of rc. The water adhesion problem during the righting sequence is simply avoided by completely rolling in the sails. Morover, the upper portion of the mast should be designed with an air-bag that automatically is activated during knock-down. Because of the (both ways) rotating mast possibility, the airbag can always be located to the water-side. Thus, giving the adquate leverage. Again, robustness of the system must be valid, as well as refolding of the air-bag. Perhaps the mast tube givs some possibilities here to insert the refoldable air-bag? Nedless to say the sails is automatically rolled in the direction (during knock-down), so the airbag does its job!
Regards,
Booster
Hi!
The Ljungstrom rig have the potential to host twice as big area with solar panels/fabric as an ordinary rig. Naturally, upwind the area is similar to ordinary sail. However, if soft solar panels/fabric is available the downwind rechargability of the batteries is substantially enhanced. Regarding the knockdown situation: Since we already have the GPS at hand it would be possible to install a micro-chip that rolls out the adequate sailarea after each knockdown. Thus, the sailarea will be calibrated according to wind and wave conditions. In order to avoid to small sailarea in case of decreasing wind and waves an iterative micro-chip proceedure can be utilized. Governing the optimum sailarea for the prevailing conditions. In case of running out of battery upwindsailing the Ljungstrom rig has the pontential to go downwind for a while, with twice the solarpanel/fabric area, and get a fast recharge! At least on a sunny day without to much shadows…
Regards,
Booster