On Wind-Driven Land Vehicles

This paper deals with the study of a land-yacht, that is a ground vehicle propelled by wind energy. There is a large interest in exploring alternative source of energy for propulsion and wind energy could be a feasible solution being totally green, available and free. The idea envisaged by a land-yacht is that of using one or several flexible or rigid vertical wing-sails to produce a thrust-force, which can eventually generate a higher travel velocity than its prevailing wind. A model of a three-wheel land-yacht is presented capturing the main dynamic and aerodynamic aspects of the system behaviour. Simulations are included showing how environment conditions, i.e. wind intensity and direction, influence the vehicle response and performance. In view of a robotic embodiment of the vehicle, a controller of the sail trim angle and front wheel steer angle is also discussed for autonomous navigation.