Magnus Effect
The Magnuss VOSS™ relies a proven and well-documented principle of physics called the Magnus Effect, which states that a rotating cylinder in a wind stream produces a force perpendicular to the wind direction. Unlike land-based wind turbines, the VOSS™ is rotated by electric motors. When wind hits the rotating cylinder it passes on either side. In the direction of rotation the wind is accelerated; against the rotation it is slowed down. This sets up a high and low pressure differential not unlike an aircraft wing and creates thrust roughly ninety degrees to the wind direction. A vessel sailing with the wind on the beam is therefore given maximum forward thrust from the spinning VOSS™. Due to the transfer of force through the ship’s hull, this thrust is also available at a full range of wind directions.