Kite power with directional control for marine vessels

Abstract

The disclosure provides methods and devices for enabling a Vessel propelled by a Kite or similar devices, e.g., a balloon, to adjust its direction of travel to either side of the true wind direction without the aid of rudder(s), tiller(s), or similar devices. The subject invention applies to wind-powered Vessels as well as hybrid vessels and vessels utilizing propeller-driven propulsion, jot propulsion and others in addition to wind power.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of improving the performance of a vessel, comprising:
 a) attaching one or more cables from the vessel to a kite or similar device;   b) deploying the kite or similar device into wind;   c) transferring energy from the wind into an external force vector applied through the one or more cables; and   d) selectively locating an overall force vector at a variable location with respect to the vessel, wherein the force vector imparts either a forward propulsive force or a forward propulsive force and a variable turning moment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein when the external force vector crosses the vessel's center of turning, there is only a forward propulsive force and no turning moment. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein when the external force vector or an extension of the external force vector crosses the vessel's longitudinal axis in front of the vessel's center of turning, the turning moment is in a clockwise direction. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein when the external force vector or an extension of the external force vector crosses the vessel's longitudinal axis behind the vessel's center of turning, the turning moment is in a counterclockwise direction. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the magnitude of turning moment is varied by adjusting the radial distance from the center of turning to the external force vector. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the magnitude of turning moment is varied by adjusting the radial distance from the center of turning to the external force vector. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external force vector is variably located with respect to the vessel by connecting cables from the kite or similar device to a carriage that is constrained by a track. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the track is a linear and longitudinally mounted track. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 . wherein the track is a linear and transversely mounted track. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the track is located on or around a perimeter of the vessel. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the external force vector is variably located with respect to the vessel by connecting cables from the kite or similar device to a connection point and varying the length of two or more vessel-mounted cables of variable length that define the location of the connection point to the external force vector. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein vessel efficiency is improved by eliminating drag associated with use of a rudder or tiller. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , Wherein location of the external force on the vessel is automatically and dynamically varied to maintain a specified vessel course.