4 ms·
"But in the new system, for example, the team has found that by turning one turbine just slightly away from its own maximum output position — perhaps 20 degrees
by hirundo 4y ago
"But in the new system, for example, the team has found that by turning one turbine just slightly away from its own maximum output position — perhaps 20 degrees away from its individual peak output angle — the resulting increase in power output from one or more downwind units will more than make up for the slight reduction in output from the first unit."
I assume that this could also increase the speed of a cooperative convoy of sailboats, that have a good reason to stay close. I wonder if the fleets of sailing ships of Admiral Nelson's time took advantage of this. A few extra ergs of force in a sea chase could make a large difference.
- rocqua 4y agoThe idea here is 'stay out of dirty air better'. It isn't a real gain for the downwind turbines, just less of a loss. This concept has long been known to sailors. And I presume that sailing in convoys took this effect of dirty air well into account.
- scrivna 4y agoYou see this in competitive dinghy racing. One person will intentionally starve their competitor of good air, so they know and could do the opposite if they wanted. Lots of sports deal with this “dirty air” concept like Formula 1 especially, regulations were changed for this season so the car in front produces cleaner air off the back so cars behind can follow better (which provides a better chance to overtake/better viewing spectacle).