AU2005232890B2

AU2005232890B2 - Placement system for a flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a wind-powered watercraft

Info

Publication number: AU2005232890B2
Application number: AU2005232890A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Johannes Bohm; Stephan Wrage
Original assignee: Skysails GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Skysails GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2004-04-19
Filing date: 2005-04-19
Publication date: 2010-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-19
Also published as: KR101213056B1; CN1968850B; JP2007532409A; RU2006140814A; JP4691551B2; DE102004018814A1; EP1742836A1; NZ550718A; ATE459531T1; CY1110118T1; DK1742836T3; HK1102402A1; AU2005232890A1; EP1742836B1; DE502005009135D1; RU2359863C2; US20070157868A1; PL1742836T3; WO2005100150A1; KR20070032941A

Abstract

Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope. Said wind-attacked element can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to a sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.

Description

1 Placement system for a flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a wind-powered watercraft The invention relates to a system for deployment of a freely 5 flying kite-like element on which wind acts, for a watercraft with wind propulsion. A deployment system such as this for a freely flying kite-like element on which wind acts is known from the document: Ship 10 Propulsive Kites, An Initial Study, by J. F. Wellicome and S. Williams, University of Southampton, ISSN 0140 3818 SSSUl9, Section 4.1.2 "Non Powered Drogue Launch". This deployment system, which is indicated only in the form of 15 a sketch in the cited publication and has not been fully developed, has the disadvantage that an auxiliary drive in the form of an additional parachute is required for deployment of the element on which wind acts. Furthermore, no measures are evident to allow a relatively large element on which wind acts 20 also to be stowed safely again. Throughout the specification reference to any prior art is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the 25 common general knowledge in Australia. One preferred aspect of the present invention provides measures for a deployment system such as this which make it possible to launch a system on which wind acts in a manner 30 which is compatible with practical use at sea, and to be stowed safely again as well. In particular, one preferred aspect of this case ensures that the element on which wind la acts can be guided from the deck in the deployed state, thus minimizing the listing of the watercraft. The invention in one preferred embodiment includes a 5 deployment system for a freely flying kite-like element on which wind acts, for a watercraft in which the element on which wind acts and which has a wing profile is connected via a hawser to the craft body, in which case the element on which wind acts can be moved from a rest position on-board the 10 watercraft to a raised launch position, which is free of obstructions at the same level or at a higher level. The system includes a holder which can be pivoted in azimuth is provided, by means of which the element on which wind acts can be moved to a position in which it is subject to sufficient 15 wind effect, with a docking receptacle apparatus being provided for detachable connection to the docking adapter of the element on which wind acts on the side facing away from the wind and also allowing the element on which wind acts to be stowed by holding means, which preferably engage 20 automatically. The element on which wind acts can be guided to a WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -2 position in which it can be stowed safely and without problems. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to 5 provide a holder which can be pivoted in azimuth, by means of which the element on which wind acts can on the one hand be moved for deployment to a position in which it is subject to sufficient wind effect. A docking receptacle apparatus for detachable connection 10 to the docking adapter of the element on which wind acts in this case is in each case directed to the side facing away from the wind, in which case both driven readjustment means and a type of "wind vane" can be provided. The docking receptacle apparatus is in this 15 case designed such that it also. allows locking, by holding means which engage automatically, for stowage of the element on which wind acts. Another particularly advantageous feature of the 20 invention is the fact that the element on which wind acts can be launched just by the influence of the wind. A further advantageous factor is for the launch position to be arranged offset in the horizontal and/or 25 vertical direction with respect to the location of the last cable guide when the element on which wind acts is in the deployed state. The latter is generally formed by the winch or is located in the vicinity of the winch. This allows the element on which wind acts to be 30 operated independently of the launching apparatus in the operating state. Another advantageous development of the invention is in this case designed in such a manner that in the case of 35 the freely flying kite-like element on which wind acts, a hawser which spreads out into a number of holding cables is connected to the craft, with a connecting cable being provided, which bridges the spreading point WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -3 and is passed from the docking device on the element on which wind acts to a connecting point, which - seen from the element on which wind acts - is located beyond the spreading point, to the main part of the hawser, 5 and that a lifeline is provided, which originates from the docking receptacle apparatus and whose free end is guided such that it can move with a force fit on the hawser, at least in the area of the connecting cable. This results in the spreading point of the hawser, in 10 whose vicinity the control elements for the aerodynamic adjustment of the element on which wind acts may also be located during operation, being bridged during the stowage process so that it can reliably be pulled onto the docking apparatus. The lifeline can in this case 15 preferably also be formed by a trap or the like, when the element on which wind acts is used on a boat for sporting purposes. In one advantageous development of the invention, an 20 additional lifeline is connected to the hawser via a cable junction which has means in order to move a guide apparatus, which is in the form of a cable slide and is connected to the end of the lifeline, from its position on the hawser onto the lifeline when the element on 25 which wind acts is being stowed, while the element on which wind acts is connected to the cable junction via a further line part. In this case, the cable junction preferably has an essentially T-shaped profile, which is surrounded in an Q-shape by the guide apparatus. 30 This makes it easier to grip and to stow the element on which wind acts. If the docking receptacle, which can rotate in azimuth, has an apparatus which in each case automatically places 35 the active direction of the receptacle on the lee side, an automotive stowage process can be implemented such that safe stowage of the element on which wind acts can be initiated automatically even in the event of a WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -4 possible malfunction of the control part or of a connected appliance which is important for control of the element on which wind acts. When using a lifeline, the receptacle apparatus can also be automatically 5 placed on the lee side by a guide roller for the lifeline being eccentrically connected to the receptacle apparatus so that the element on which wind acts and which is subject to wind pressure automatically draws the receptacle apparatus to the lee side. 10 In one advantageous development of the invention, the docking receptacle and the element on which wind acts are designed such that a minimal load is exerted on the system by the element on which wind acts in the docked 15 state. This is achieved, for example, by the element on which wind acts being guided at its aerodynamic equilibrium point on the docking receptacle. If this is the case, then the element on which wind acts and onto which the wind is flowing produces precisely the amount 20 of lift which is required to neutralize the force of its weight. The element on which wind acts thus "floats" on the docking receptacle. This docking receptacle need then still absorb only the drag forces which act horizontally on the element on which wind 25 acts, but which are relatively small because the element on which wind acts is docked by its narrow front. As can easily be seen, a system designed in this way results in considerable design advantages. 30 In another preferred development, the element on which wind acts has a reefing device, in which case the deployment and/or stowage of the element on which wind acts and which to this extent is designed to be flexible take/takes place in a reefed state. In this 35 case, it may be advantageous for stability reasons for the element on which wind acts to have a fixed center part, which cannot be reefed.

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -5 The reefing process is carried out advantageously if the reefing mechanism has tension strips which are directed in the direction of the reefing process and can preferably be operated by a winch which is provided 5 within the element on which wind acts, with the reefing process preferably taking place in a side extension of the wing profile. The folds which are created during the reefing process are advantageously wrapped in between areas with a fixed profile cross section, with 10 an identical profile cross section being provided essentially over the entire wing length. In one advantageous development of the invention, the element on which wind acts is designed such that it is 15 slightly curved over its width. This makes it easier to reef the element on which wind acts, since the friction forces of the reefing strips in the element are reduced. This development has the further advantageous feature that the reefed element on which wind acts has 20 less height than a reefed element on which wind acts with a large amount of curvature. However, the flying characteristics are considerably improved when the height is reduced, thus making it easier to control the element. 25 In order to increase stability, at least one inflatable element is advantageously provided in the area of the wing leading edge and/or between the areas with a fixed wing cross section, and is also used to assist 30 unreefing. In one preferred development of the invention, the raised position forms the upper end of a crane which, in particular, is telescopic and in which hydraulic 35 cylinders are preferably connected to adjacent or successive telescopic segments, for drive purposes.

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -6 The mobile crane advantageously has an aerodynamically clad connecting element in the area of the receptacle which can pivot in azimuth, and this connecting element has a supply and a connecting element for compressed 5 air, which can be connected to the inflatable body of the element on which wind acts. In one advantageous development of the invention, a powerful fan, which is also suitable for suction 10 operation, is provided either at the foot of the crane or in the system docking receptacle. In this development, an opening with a relatively large cross section is located in the center of the leading edge of the element on which wind acts and is connected flush 15 to the docking receptacle in the docked state, in such a manner that the element on which wind acts can be quickly inflated or deflated by means of the fan. As can easily be seen, this apparatus allows the deployment and stowage processes to be speeded up. 20 It is also advantageous if it is possible to initiate a reefing process for a freely flying element on which wind acts via a remote control or by means of the output signal from at least one sensor element, in 25 which case the deflation process can also be initiated for an element on which wind acts and which has an inflatable element. An emergency reefing process is in this case preferably 30 initiated by rapid opening of a closure area which closes the inflatable element, in particular together with the hawser of the element on which wind acts being pulled in quickly. 35 In order to keep the stowage forces small, the element on which wind acts is caught via an attachment which is arranged at a point for which symmetrically acting wind 7 forces compensate in the horizontal and vertical direction. The described invention is particularly suitable for sea-going vessels or for those which travel in regions in the high-seas 5 area. Further advantageous exemplary embodiments are described in the dependent claims. 10 Throughout the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of 15 integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises". One advantageous exemplary embodiment is illustrated in the figures, in which: 20 Figure 1 shows an oblique plan view of a vessel which is being towed by the kite system according to the invention, Figure la shows a coordinate system which is used as the 25 reference system in the following description, Figure lb shows one exemplary embodiment of the element on which wind acts according to the invention, in the form of a paraglider according to the invention. 30 Figure 2 shows an outline circuit diagram for control of the element on which wind acts according to the invention, illustrated schematically, 7a Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the control of the wind propulsion system according to the invention, as a block diagram illustrated in detail, 5 Figure 4 shows a docking apparatus for the element on which wind acts, illustrated in perspective form, Figure 4a shows a detail of the docking apparatus as shown in Figure 4, illustrated in perspective form, WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -8 Figure 4b shows a further detail of the docking apparatus as shown in Figure 4, illustrated in perspective form, 5 Figure 4c shows a reefing device for the element on which wind acts, illustrated schematically, Figure 5a shows a block diagram of a deployment process according to the invention, 10 Figure 5b shows a block diagram of a stowage process according to the invention, Figure 6a shows a schematic illustration of the 15 procedure for a deployment process according to the invention, Figure 6b shows a schematic illustration of the procedure for a stowage process according to the 20 invention, and Figure 7 shows a speeded-up stowage process according to the invention. 25 Figure 1 shows an oblique plan view of a vessel which is being towed by the kite system according to the invention. In this case, an element 1 on which wind acts is connected to a vessel 4 via a hawser 1.1 with an apparatus 2 on which force acts and which is 30 provided in the bow area of the vessel 4. The hawser 1.1 is passed to a central gondola 1.2, from which a number of holding lines 1.3 originate, which are passed to the element 1 on which wind acts and is in the form of a paraglider with a kite profile, giving it the 35 necessary shape. The details relating to this will be explained further below in the description. The apparent wind direction in the area of the element 1 on which wind acts is annotated W. The corresponding wind WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 -9 vector is indicated by its magnitude and direction. If required, its rate of change is also indicated by a variable B, which denotes the gusting, forms the mean time discrepancy between the wind speed and its mean 5 value and can be represented as a scalar, which effectively forms the radius of a sphere around the tip of the wind vector W. Figure la shows a coordinate system which is used as 10 the reference system in the following description. In this case, xs indicates the direction of travel of the vessel, and ys is the direction at right angles to the direction of travel. In this case, the coordinate system should be regarded as being firmly linked to a 15 point Ps on the vessel. This point is preferably the point 2 at which force acts in the bow area. The height hs in this case corresponds to the direction of the axis z of the conventional coordinate system, and indicates the height above the reference point Ps. This 20 reference point is preferably the location at which the GPS antenna of an on-board GPS appliance is fitted, so that the coordinates of a point away from Ps, at which another GPS appliance is located, can be produced by subtraction of the coordinates emitted from the two 25 appliances. (If the GPS antenna of the on-board GPS appliance is located at a distance away from the reference point Ps, then this could be taken into account by addition of a fixed coordinate difference.) 30 For simplicity, the following description is based on the assumption of a polar coordinate system, in which the angle a forms the azimuth angle, and the angle P the elevation angle. The direction of the vector V thus in this case points to the gondola 1.2 of the element 1 35 on which wind acts. This is in fact a "geographical coordinate system", since the gondola 1.2 and the element 1 on which wind acts move essentially on the surface of a sphere. The azimuth angle a and the WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 10 elevation angle 3 thus indicate approximately the geographical latitude and longitude of the position of the gondola on the "world sphere" covered by the vector V. The length of the vector V roughly indicates the 5 length of the hawser 1.1, in which case, initially, its catenary drop will be ignored. The gondola 1.2 of the element on which wind acts is aligned on the basis of its own coordinate system with 10 the directions Xk, yk and Zk, where Zk points in the direction of the extension of the vector V. The rotation of the gondola 1.2 of the element 1 on which wind acts about the vertical axis Zk is referred to as the yaw angle. Variation of the yaw angle results in a 15 change in the direction of flight of the element 1 on which wind acts. The yaw angle can be varied, inter alia, by actively driving braking flaps (which are described further below) of the paraglider which forms the element 1 on which wind acts. This results in a 20 direction change, and this process is comparable to the steering of a steerable kite. Rotation about the longitudinal axis xk represents a rolling movement and is not actively controlled. The catenary drop of the hawser 1.1 resulting from the force of gravity can be 25 determined from the rolling movement and the corresponding discrepancy between the direction from zk and V, while the rotation about the lateral axis yk forms the pitch of the element on which wind acts about the lateral axis, and can be caused by gusts and their 30 influence on the hawser 1.1. This reference system forms the basis for understanding of the description of the vessel/kite system which is described further below. 35 One exemplary embodiment of an element on which wind acts according to the invention is illustrated schematically in Figure lb. The element on which wind acts in the illustrated embodiment forms a paraglider WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 11 101 with a container 102 for the controller, as will be described in more detail further below. Holding lines 103 originate from the container 102, which is attached to the hawser 1.1, and merge into branches 104 in the 5 form of a line tree, which are connected to a lower textile covering layer 105. An upper textile covering layer 106 forms the closure at the top. The two covering layers are held together by means of internal connecting lines (which cannot be seen in the figure) 10 or corresponding connecting elements, such as textile ribs, with the wing profile which is formed by the two covering layers being stabilized by an internal increase in the air pressure, which is built up via openings in the leading edge of the kite (on the left 15 in the drawing) , which are likewise not shown in the drawing, for clarity reasons. The direction of flight is indicated by the arrow 107. Figure 2 shows an outline illustration of the wind 20 propulsion system according to the invention, in the form of a block diagram. The figure also serves for orientation in the following description of the individual system components. Those reference symbols in the 100-series which are used in the overview 25 illustration also form the group designation of the system parts which are each described in more detail further below. (A dashed line 99 in this case surrounds those assemblies which, at the least, must be added to a conventional vessel for it to be additionally 30 equipped with the wind propulsion according to the invention). The system 100 on which wind acts comprises the element on which wind acts as well as the associated control system, if the latter is arranged directly in it. The arrangement may in this case not 35 only be arranged in a gondola which is located at the end of the hawser and from which the holding lines originate, but may also be incorporated directly in the element on which wind acts. The control system WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 12 essentially comprises an autopilot, which controls the attitude and flight path of the element on which wind acts. 5 The system 100 on which wind acts is connected via the hawser and a winch 210 (including the hawser) and communication paths, represented by dashed lines, to the on-board system 200 to a user interface 205, which comprises a control system which not only controls the 10 kite position but also emits the necessary control commands to the machine 5 and to the vessel rudder 6. The on-board system is connected to the element on which wind acts via various communication paths which allow not only the kite position to be predetermined in 15 principle by the on-board system but also allow information which is important for the on-board system to be received from the system on which wind acts. The on-board system 200 is preceded by a navigation 20 system 300, which transmits to the on-board system the route to be maintained by the vessel, taking into account costs, times, speed and wind utilization, possibly as well as the wind direction and wind strength. The wind information may also include a parameter which 25 characterizes how gusty the wind is. Furthermore, this may also include information relating to the sea state and to the vessel movement resulting from it. (The wind and weather data in this case come originally from the weather information system 600, which is described 30 further below). The navigation system is assisted by the navigational information base (moving map) 310. The course, wind and wave information are used to generate signals which drive the on-board system 200 35 and results in appropriate adjustment of the kite system 100. The on-board system 200 also produces drive signals for the machine 5 and for the rudder 6.

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 13 The navigation system 300 is driven by a route system 400, which determines the course of the vessel by means of the economic basis on which the vessel operation is based. The route system 400 is driven on the basis of 5 data which is predetermined by an external station 500 and is matched to the data from a weather information system 600. The course data currently determined by the navigation system 300 is fed back to the external station 500 via a feedback link 301 (by radio, 10 satellite). The data can also be received by other vessels equipped with the system according to the invention and can be used for local updating of the weather system. This also makes it possible to take into account current, locally dependent course changes 15 for the rest of the external predefinition of the route. As can be seen, the kite system 100 is positioned as a function of the course data such that an optimum route 20 is preset both on the basis of the weather conditions (actually occurring winds and sea-state conditions) and taking into account the economic constraints which are intended to ensure that the vessel is operated to save as much cost as possible. 25 An emergency system 700 provides the required control commands in the event of an unpredicted event which necessitates immediate action in the form of an emergency maneuver. 30 The signaling system and communication system are respectively combined in further blocks 800 and 900, and match the navigation to further vessels. The signaling system includes navigation safety lighting as 35 well as the transmission of its navigation data by radio, which informs other vessels located in the vicinity about the deployed system on which wind acts and about the intended route and the current course. In WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 14 contrast, the communication system includes all of the systems which relate to the rest of the information interchange process. 5 The main dataflow paths are represented by solid lines in Figure 2, while the other message paths are represented by dashed lines. Figure 3 illustrates in more detail the block 100, 10 which comprises the system on which wind acts, as well as the block 200 with the on-board system from Figure 2. The positioning and the control of the kite 101 are described here. The wind-direction and wind speed information, including the gust characteristic as 15 well as the sea-state information, are passed to a buffer store 211 in which this data is stored for buffering. Since the wind direction and all of the kite settings relate to the apparent wind, the course information is irrelevant during the processing. The 20 adjustment and the maneuvering of the element on which wind acts with respect to the vessel does not require any knowledge of the current course, since all of the maneuvers relate to the vessel and to the influence of the apparent wind acting on the kite. During the 25 deployment of the kite 101, the wind information initially comes from the weather information system 600 in Figure 2, with regard to the positioning of the kite. As soon as its own wind measurement is operational after launching, however, the apparent wind 30 at the location of the element on which wind acts is itself determined, since this is the governing factor for positioning. The wind data and sea-state data together form a data 35 record which addresses a memory 212, which forms a look-up table, for the required position and the maneuver type of the element on which wind acts. This look-up table is organized in the same way as a normal WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 15 addressable memory, with the output data from the buffer store 211 addressing, as address signals, the individual memory locations in which the state data associated with the addressed data for the element on which wind acts 5 are stored. A "look-up table" such as this links the input data and output data with one another in the form of a "read only memory" (ROM) in accordance with a predetermined functional relationship, and can thus be understood as a mathematical association (function). 10 However, the corresponding blocks form only one example of an implementation and can also be replaced by any other desired functional elements or assemblies. By way of example, this may comprise a microprocessor in which the control software is stored in an appropriate memory, 15 or else it may be an electrical circuit in which the functional relationship is defined in the form of an analog computer by the electrical components involved. The representation in the form of a look-up table has been chosen here for the sake of clarity, because a 20 solution with a microprocessor, for example, can be represented less clearly only because the various program steps, which have to be carried out successively, require complex considerations relating to which program parts must be supplied successively to the 25 microprocessor. In the chosen embodiment, the control signals can be processed in parallel, although those switching elements which result in activation of the illustrated 30 blocks at specific times and the corresponding control processes, are not illustrated. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that an incoming control signal which differs from the previous signal state which initiates the processing in the downstream 35 blocks, which retain the relevant state that has been reached, forces new processing to be carried out until a signal change occurs.

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 16 The state data thus includes on the one hand the required position of the element on which wind acts, that is to say its direction with respect to the vessel and the length of the hawser to be deployed. 5 Furthermore, if required, it also contains information about whether and when the kite 101 should in fact be maneuvered on the basis of which stored program. While the kite is guided in the steady state, that is to say in a fixed manner, in a number of positions, it is 10 better for vessel operation in some circumstances for the kite to be controlled dynamically, that is to say for predetermined flight figures to be carried out, since this increases its relative speed with respect to the wind and, as a consequence, its towing power as 15 well. The current position of the kite is stored in a further memory 213, as determined by the navigation system of the kite 101. The actual position of the kite, which is stored in the 20 memory 213, relates to the vessel and is preferably determined by subtraction of two GPS signals. This relates on the one hand to the GPS receiver 124 for the kite 101 within the kite system 100, which is connected to the flying kite 101. The position data determined in 25 the flight position of the kite 101 is transmitted by means of a transmitter 112 to a receiver 214 which is located on board the vessel. A further GPS receiver 215 is likewise provided on board the vessel. Its output signal together with the output signal from the 30 receiver 214 are supplied to a subtraction unit 216, by means of which the differential GPS signal is produced. The difference position data is converted in a block 217, which is connected downstream from the subtraction unit 216, to polar coordinates, which relate to the 35 distance between the winch 2 and the position of the element on which wind acts. These are the angles a and @ as shown in Figure la as well as the cable length "L". The differential GPS position data obtained in WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 17 this way is highly accurate if determined at the same time and if the vessel GPS receiver is installed at a location which is affected as little as possible by vessel movements, or if the movements are compensated 5 for. Furthermore, in this case, it is necessary to take account of the coordinate difference between the positions of the winch and of the GPS receiver in the 10 vessel by subtraction of a fixed value. The position determined by the differential GPS receiver formed in this way is determined at time intervals. If its precision is not adequate, it can be assisted by values which are determined by means of acceleration sensors 15 117, 119 and 120. The corresponding calculations, which include an integration process, are carried out in the assembly 123. Since only the times which pass before the next GPS position signal are of relevance for the time intervals within which the integration process 20 must be carried out, the integrators do not need to comply with any quality requirements which would guarantee stability over long time periods. (The acceleration sensors are intrinsically used for stabilization of the flight maneuvers, as will be 25 described further below - that is to say they have a dual function). Furthermore, an altimeter 129 (preferably in the form of an air pressure meter) and an earth's magnetic field sensor 128 are provided, with the data items from both of these likewise being 30 supplied to the memory for the navigation signal 124. A further possible way to determine the actual position of the element on which wind acts with respect to the vessel is to use the data transmitted to the vessel 35 from the altimeter 129 and from the earth's magnetic field sensor 128. This data is transmitted to the vessel in block 227, and is stored. A subtraction process is then carried out in block 227 with the data WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 18 from the altimeter 233 on the vessel and from the earth's magnetic field sensor 234 on the vessel. If the altimeter 129 is an air pressure meter, weather data from block 600 (isobars) may, however, also be used for 5 determination of the air pressure at the vessel. The position information determined in this way is supplied to the block 217, and if required is matched to the GPS data. This results in the position information from two independent systems being used for mutual support and, 10 if one system fails, the required data is still available. The required kite position read from the memory 212 is now supplied on the one hand to a comparator 218, which 15 outputs a signal when the actual position of the system 100 on which wind acts, and which position is stored in the memory 213, matches the required position read from the memory 212. In this case, a data record which characterizes the selected maneuver type is read from 20 the maneuver type memory 220 via an enable circuit 219. (In this case, a steady-state flight state may also however be distinguished by the kite not carrying out any maneuvers but remaining in the same flight position. This is the "zero" maneuver type.) 25 Thus, when this maneuver type memory 220 is activated, a flight program of the sequential type is read, and is transmitted to the autopilot for the system 100 on which wind acts. The output signal from the memory 220 30 is in this case passed to a transmitter 221, which emits the data and supplies it to a receiver 113 for the system 100 on which wind acts. The signal is passed from the output of the receiver 113 to an autopilot assembly, and from there to a maneuvering control unit 35 114, which receives signals which identify specific sequential flight maneuvers and converts them to turn values which are supplied to the flight processor 116, which carries out the relevant flight maneuver. In this WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 19 case, the value to be set is transferred to a turn value comparator 115 to which, on the other hand, the input signal of the yaw value meter 117 is supplied. The flight processor 116 now produces turning flight in 5 the predetermined sequence and for the predetermined duration at its relevant output 125 via an appropriate drive element on the kite 101 by asymmetric braking of the kite 101 or appropriate aerodynamic deformation. The other aerodynamic effects, which are driven by the 10 two other outputs of the flight processor 116, are adjustment of the wing incidence angle and the reefing process, as will be described further below. The winch 240 is also driven from the positioning 15 memory 220b in order to feed out to a specific required cable length. In order to prevent oscillation about the vertical axis, a signal which has been filtered by means of a 20 high-pass filter is additionally supplied to the flight processor 116, superimposed on the control signal but with an offset phase angle, thus preventing the start of oscillations. While yaw movements can be controlled via the output 125, the incidence angle of the wing is 25 set via the output 126. As is known, the lift/drag ratio can be optimized by the magnitude of the incidence angle of a wing. The reefing of the kite 101 can be initiated via a further output 127. Reefing changes the lift and drag, and may be necessary for 30 individual flight maneuvers. Since the kite is guided firmly on the hawser, it is automatically stabilized by the tension effect of the cable at its center of lift, with regard to its rolling 35 and pitching movements. However, in order also to preclude oscillations in this case, an attitude signal is in each case transmitted in a corresponding manner from a roll sensor 119 and a pitch sensor 120 via WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 20 corresponding inverting high-pass filters 121 and 122 to the flight processor, thus avoiding and compensating for sudden attitude changes of the element 101 on which wind acts. 5 Thus, when the kite is in its predetermined position (an output signal which identifies this state appears at the output of the comparator 218), then the selected maneuver type is read, which causes the kite to carry 10 out a predetermined cyclic flight program. If this maneuver type is transmitted, the control is carried out automatically by the autopilot for the element on which wind acts, and the unit 200 no longer need react provided that the kite does not leave its required 15 position as a result of unpredicted events. If the required position of the element 101 on which wind acts does not match its predetermined position, possibly because the preset position which has been 20 read from the memory 212 has changed - as is also the case when the kite is deployed - or possibly because the kite has left its position during the course of the maneuvering, then the output signal at the output of the comparator 218 disappears, and the maneuver type, 25 activated via the switching element 219, of the memory 220 ends. The signal "zero" appears at the output of the memory for the maneuver type 220 (left-hand part), and this is interpreted by the autopilot of the system 100 on which wind acts as meaning that the most 30 recently stored maneuver is no longer being carried out. Instead of this, the actual position of the kite, which has been read from the memory 213 and has been determined by GPS, is compared with the required position from the memory 212 by means of a position 35 correction unit 221, and a maneuver is determined which guides the kite to the required position. The correction unit 221 is once again in the form of a look-up table, with the required position and the WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 21 actual position (once again related to the vessel) being combined to form a common addressing signal, and the identity of a corresponding correction maneuver for the element on which wind acts being read from the 5 actual position A to the required position B. Specifically, care must be taken to ensure that different maneuvers must be chosen depending on the launch and destination point (and possibly also as a function of the wind and wave conditions), in order to 10 maneuver the kite. However, any desired kite maneuvers can be chosen and carried out by means of the stated measures. If the wind level and sea state play a role in the 15 maneuvers to be carried out, then this data can be "looped-through" from the memory 211 through the look up table memories 212 and 221, so that this data is still available in the data record for selection of a specific maneuver, and a suitable maneuver can be 20 chosen. However, this does not relate to compensation for individual events, but to general setting guidelines which, for example, may include the kite being flown relatively in a high sea state such that it is possible to compensate as far as possible for the 25 forces acting on the watercraft as a result of the direction of the waves. Thus, for example, if the vessel were to be heeling severely, it would be preferable to use a kite position with a lateral component, while a straight-ahead component would be 30 preferable for a vessel which is pitching severely. For this reason, an output signal from the block 231 for detection of the sea state is passed directly to the block 211, in order to supply information which also affects the choice of the appropriate kite position and 35 maneuvering in the sense described above. A further function of this link is to choose parts of flight maneuvers such that they counteract the accelerations resulting from the sea state. This includes the flying WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 22 of maneuvers with cyclic flight paths, in which different tension forces act on the hawser at different times, in such a way that these forces occur with a phase shift with respect to the accelerations which are 5 caused by the sea state. This reduces the overall movements of the vessel. This compensation for or reduction in vessel movements by different tension forces, which are caused by the maneuvering, do not interfere with the other methods that are used for sea 10 state compensation. This is because vessel movements which have been reduced from the start require less effort in order to reduce their effects on the kite flight path. Because of the compensation for the individual vessel movements, reference is made to the 15 description of the block 231 further below. For position changing, the right-hand part of the memory 220 is addressed via a switching element 222 with the data record that has been read from the 20 correction unit 221, with the switching element 222 being activated by the output signal from the comparator by means of an inverter 223 when the switching element 219 is not activated, that is to say when the required position and actual position are not 25 the same. Furthermore, the flight stability of the element on which wind acts may also play a role for its position. A multiple-direction ram-air pressure meter 111 30 provided on the kite on the one hand acts as an anemometer while on the other hand, for that component which is measured in the direction of flight, transmits the state of an incident flow on the kite being excessively low by means of an appropriate signal 35 which, together with the production of a position changing maneuver, also drives the winch controller 240, thus speeding up the change in position of the kite so that the incident flow speed is increased WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 23 again. (It is evident that the winch can also be driven in the case of "deliberate" position changes resulting from wind data and wave data via the right-hand part of the memory 220b in order, for example, to allow the 5 height of the element on which wind acts to be changed). For determination of the true wind direction and wind speed, the anemometer has pitot tubes pointing in 10 different directions and having pressure capsules which are evaluated separately. The direction and speed of the wind can be determined with respect to the alignment of the anemometer 111 from the pressure values from the three pressure capsules which are directed at right 15 angles to one another and have the highest pressure values. If the output signal from the magnetic-field sensor 128, which contains a bridge circuit composed of magnetically sensitive resistances and thus makes it possible to determine the direction of the lines of 20 force of the earth's magnetic field, is also taken into account, then the direction of the wind can be related to the northerly direction and can thus be transmitted to the watercraft as the direction of the apparent wind on the element on which wind acts. If required, the 25 correction from magnetic north to geographic north is then also carried out in the watercraft. An arrow pointing to the block 211 indicates that normal navigation of the kite is rendered inoperative 30 in this case. The rest of the normal maneuver control is also suppressed via an OR gate 224 connected upstream of the inverter 223. (This also applies in a corresponding manner to the blocks 228, 229, 230 and 232, which will be described in the following text and 35 initiate further special functions. However, the associated signal links have been omitted there for reasons of clarity).

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 24 The block 228 initiates the "emergency jettison" emergency maneuver by selection and starting of the associated maneuver type via the right-hand part of the maneuver type memory 220b, which contains the 5 respective programs. This maneuver is necessary when the element on which wind acts results in a major risk to the vessel, as a result of unfavorable circumstances or an accident (for example by collision with an obstruction) . In this maneuver, the element on which 10 wind acts is completely disconnected from the vessel. The blocks "deploy" 229 and "stow" 230 initiate the appropriate maneuvers by selection and starting of the relevant maneuver type via the right-hand part of the 15 maneuver type memory 220b, which contains the respective programs. A block 231 "vessel movements" determines the acceleration component in the direction of the hawser 20 by means of an appropriately aligned accelerometer and, after integration, generates a signal which describes the vessel movements in the direction of the hawser. This signal is supplied to the on-board GPS receiver which produces a position signal (in order to correct 25 the position of the winch controller 240) if the receiver and/or the antenna are/is not themselves/itself mounted in this position. If this GPS position signal were to be evaluated directly together with the GPS position signal received via the receiver 30 214 from the kite system 100 and were to be used to control the kite 101, then the kite 101 would follow the sea-state movements of the winch in its control process. However, since the kite 101 is intended to fly its maneuver with respect to an imaginary stabilized 35 vessel position, the integrated signal from the accelerometer is additionally supplied, in block 231, to the GPS receiver 215 in order to be subtracted (as a disturbance) from the signal which is supplied to the WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 25 block 216 for processing, so that the position signal of a "stabilized platform" is processed there. This results in the kite 101 flying maneuvers which are free of sea-state disturbances. Specifically, it can be seen 5 that the sea-state components acting in the hawser direction have the main effect on the flying object while in contrast components in the lateral direction with respect to this contribute only to a change in the angles a and P of the flight vector which tends to zero 10 when the hawser is long, and can thus be ignored. In order to avoid the occurrence of a situation all the time in the described exemplary embodiment in which a flight maneuver that is being carried out is 15 interrupted, when the sea state is high, by the detection of a discrepancy in the difference block 218, with the need to carry out a controlled "flight" to the correct position (in this case by activation of the winch 240 via the right-hand maneuver block 220b), 20 there is a direct link from the block 231 to the winch controller 240. The winch controller 240 directly receives the command to pay out and to wind in, in response to the sea-state movement in the hawser direction being found by the block 231, so that the 25 vessel movements are compensated for directly for the kite. A position correction by means of an appropriate maneuver is initiated only when this compensation is no longer sufficient, for whatever reason. 30 In order to allow maneuvers to be initiated manually as well, the appropriate input commands can be made by means of a user input 232, which is part of the user interface 205 in Figure 2. Appropriate commands can be used to directly transmit control commands to the 35 autopilot unit and to the winch controller 240 in the left-hand part 220a of the maneuver memory for manual commands, with the rest of the signal output from this memory being suppressed. These comprise the functions WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 26 "left", "right", "straight", "reef", "unreef", "incidence (+)", "incidence (-)", "winch (+)" and "winch (-)". The intensities of all of the commands can be modulated. 5 In the case of one variant which is included in the described embodiment, "predictive maneuvering" is carried out by inputting fictional wind and course data into the system in order to calculate the current 10 position of the element on which wind acts, with the configuration that is then selected being displayed for information. The vessel control system can then estimate the predictable behavior of the system from this, and can appropriately adjust the navigation. This 15 multiple processing of the data in the form of possible prediction is represented in Figure 3 by multiple angles at the corners of various memory elements, with the aim of indicating that the contents of these memories are evaluated more than once, independently of 20 the current process control. Thus, in this case, additional memory means and comparative means are provided, which allow storage of signals associated with previous times with signals which occur at later times in such a manner that successive maneuver states 25 can be compared on the basis of different - including fictional - input data. Figure 4 shows a docking apparatus of the element 101 on which wind acts, in the form of a perspective 30 illustration. A crane 180 which can be extended telescopically and, for example, can be extended by means of a hydraulic cylinder which is not illustrated has a receptacle apparatus 181 at its end for docking, which apparatus 181 has on its inside 182 a recess 35 profile which is matched to the external profile of the element 101 on which wind acts in the area of its leading edge. That side of the receptacle apparatus 181 which faces away from the element on which wind acts is WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 27 designed to be streamlined, since it points in the windward direction during docking. In addition, it should not interfere with the incident flow onto the element 101 on which wind acts. 5 A lifeline 183 is guided within the crane 180 and is used to pull the element on which wind acts onto the mast once this has been pulled in, during stowage, by means of the winch to the same height as the extended 10 crane 180. The free end of this lifeline 183 is fitted to the hawser close to the winch 2 by means of a guide apparatus 184 which will be described in detail further below and by means of which it "rides" on the hawser 1.1 and then on the stowage line 1.11 which branches 15 off before the gondola 102, and is then pulled until it assumes the position illustrated in Figure 4. The receptacle apparatus 181 is mounted on the upper end of the crane 180 such that it can rotate. In the area of the inside 182, the receptacle apparatus has a guide or 20 guide roller 185 for the lifeline 183, which is located eccentrically in the direction of the lee away from the azimuth rotation axis of the receptacle apparatus. The receptacle apparatus 181 is thus automatically rotated by the tension on the lifeline 183 in the leeward 25 direction in order to hold the element 101 on which wind acts. In one advantageous development of the invention, which is not illustrated, the receptacle apparatus 181 is 30 provided on the outside with a wind vane, so that the wind pressure automatically results in it pointing in the direction of the element on which wind acts. This is particularly advantageous during stowage. 35 As the stowage line 1.11 is pulled further, the front profile nose of the element 101 on which wind acts moves closer to the receptacle apparatus. A filling tube 186, which is provided on the receptacle side of WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 28 the receptacle apparatus 181, enters a valve opening 187 which is connected to an inflatable bead 188 (illustrated by dashed lines) in the area of the leading edge of the wing. 5 The bead 188 is used to unreef and to stiffen the element on which wind acts during deployment while the air enters it during deployment, before the element on which wind acts leaves the launch crane. During 10 stowage, the filling tube just has to open a valve in order to release the stiffening medium (preferably compressed air). In this case, the mechanism is preferably modeled on the float body of a conventional inflatable boat. 15 In one development, which is not illustrated, the crane 180 is designed to be essentially hollow. A fan is provided at the foot of the crane 180 and can also be operated in a suction mode. A large cross-section air 20 channel is incorporated in the receptacle apparatus 181 and emerges on the inside 182. The element 101 on which wind acts has an opening which is formed in a corresponding manner to the outlet opening of the air channel, so that the docked element on which wind acts 25 can be inflated or deflated (in the suction mode) by starting up the fan. This allows faster deployment and stowage. In order to prevent intermediate situations during 30 deployment and stowage, the crane and the claddings are rounded on the outside, and are designed such that they do not have any projecting edges, corners or other projecting parts. 35 The perspective illustration of the detail (illustrated in Figure 4a) of the docking apparatus as illustrated in Figure 4 shows a cable junction 189 which ensures that the guide apparatus 184 which is connected to the end of WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 29 the lifeline 183 moves from its position on the hawser 1.1 during stowage of the element 101 on which wind acts onto the stowage line 1.11 while the lifeline is being pulled in. The junction 189 preferably has a T-shaped 5 profile, which is mounted adjacent to the hawser 1.1 and has a lateral-limb width which continues in a corresponding manner to the thickness of the hawser, or even has a width greater than this. The vertical limb of the T-shaped profile is kept narrower and merges into the 10 continuation of the hawser 1.12, which leads to the container 102 of the gondola, to which the holding lines 103 of the element 101 on which wind acts are attached. Since the guide apparatus 184 surrounds the cable 1.1 in an Q shape, and guide elements 190 thus grip behind the 15 cable (comparable to a guide for wardrobes on a T-rail), the guide apparatus moves reliably from the cable part 1.1 to the cable part 1.11, although the path of the main tension force is passed into the cable part 1.12. 20 In one alternative embodiment, which is not illustrated, the stowage line 1.11 ends in an apparatus which at least partially surrounds the hawser 1.1. The apparatus is designed in such a manner that it fixes the end of the stowage line 1.11 at a defined position 25 of the hawser 1.1. When the element 101 on which wind acts is being stowed, the guide apparatus 184 of the lifeline 183 thus rides upwards on the hawser 1.1, and abuts against the apparatus, which fixes the stowage line 1.11 on the hawser 1.1. This initiates a coupling 30 process so that the guide apparatus 184 and the apparatus for fixing the stowage line 1.11 are connected to one another with a force fit or in an interlocking manner. At the same time, the fixing of the stowage line 1.11 to the hawser 1.1 is released by 35 the coupling process, so that the stowage line 1.11 is now connected to the lifeline 183, but is no longer connected to the hawser 1.1.

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 30 Figure 4b shows an overall view of the invention. The detail (illustrated in Figure 4c) of the element 101 on which wind acts shows a perspective illustration 5 of a reefing device, for interaction with the docking apparatus as shown in Figure 4. The illustration shows, schematically, the mechanical principle of one exemplary embodiment of a reefing device with an electrical winch and one exemplary embodiment of 10 textile webs 160 to 165 which form the structure (which forms the profile) for the element 101 on which wind acts. The schematic illustration does not show the covering surfaces. An electric servo motor 166 is in the form of a stepping motor and is fitted with two 15 winding disks 167 and 168 at the ends of its driveshaft. These wind up two pulling lines 169 and 170 in opposite senses, with these lines being connected to the respective webs 160 and 165 at respective attachment points 171 and 172. When the motor 166 is 20 activated, then it shortens the pulling lines and pulls on the webs 160 and 165. For the other webs 161 to 164, the pulling lines 169 and 170 are passed through cutouts 173, 173' and 174, 174', so that these are passed only over the folding covering layers of the 25 wing when it is being reefed. Partial reefing is possible by partially pulling on the lines 169 and 170. Unreefing is carried out by activation of the servo motor 166 in the opposite direction, in which case the element 101 on which wind acts and which is in the form 30 of a paraglider resumes the unreefed state by virtue of its curved shape and the tension force on the lines, without any additional operating force. In the block diagram of a deployment process according 35 to the invention, as is illustrated in Figure 5a, the following functions are carried out successively after appropriate initiation via the block 229 (Figure 3) I.: unpacking, II.: extension of the crane, III.: filling WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 31 of the cap including partial unreefing, IV.: decoupling of the cap, release of the control gondola and paying out the hawser as well as V.: complete unreefing initiation, as is illustrated by the corresponding 5 sequence of illustrations in Figure 6a (the unreefing process has not been illustrated, for simplicity reasons) . Once the appropriate command has been issued by means of an input via the block 229, the corresponding sequence of control commands is initiated 10 sequentially, fully-automatically or semi automatically, by means of an appropriate control circuit, initiating the described function via the respective mechanism. 15 The block diagram illustrated in Figure 5b shows a stowage process according to the invention. This comprises the following sequence of individual processes: pulling in the hawser and partial reefing, I. transfer of the lifeline carriage, II. fixing of the 20 cap profile, III. deflation and reefing, IV. retraction of the crane and cap followed by folding up and packaging of the element on which the wind acts, as is also illustrated with the corresponding roman numerals in a corresponding manner to that in the figures shown 25 in Figure 6b. The sequence of actions is initiated in a corresponding manner by a control command from the block 230 in Figure 3. In this case, it is also possible for a stowage process to be initiated in an emergency situation, in which case the block 228 would 30 emit a signal. (The signal profile relating to the blocks 228 to 230 is illustrated in a simplified form in Figures 5a and 5b. In this case, the actual implementation may also include further logic signal links which ensure that the deployment and stowage 35 functions are carried out safely, without any collision with other maneuvers).

WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 32 A schematic illustration of the procedure for a deployment process according to the invention will be described in detail once again with reference to Figure 6a: the first phase is to prepare for extension 5 of the crane and, if appropriate, to remove the tarpaulin or the like from the element on which the wind acts. The cap is already located with the profile nose at the mast top. After complete extension, the air chamber starts to fill (in some circumstances also 10 assisted by the fan), and partial unreefing starts. The element on which wind acts can now be aligned freely in the wind by means of the receptacle which can rotate. As soon as the element on which wind acts has assumed 15 its aerofoil profile, it is decoupled and falls off through about 150 in the leeward direction. The autopilot takes over the flight phase at this point, at the latest. The element on which wind acts is raised to the desired altitude by paying out the hawser, and is 20 completely unreefed. Figure 6b shows a schematic illustration of the procedure for a stowage process according to the invention: the element on which wind acts is moved by 25 pulling on the winch to an altitude which corresponds radially to the height of the crane. At the same time, the element on which wind acts is partially reefed. The lifeline is pulled in, having been parked on the bow in the vicinity of the winch during the flight phase, via 30 the recovery point roller (which is not illustrated) . A guide apparatus (or the like) slides up on the hawser from the recovery point roller to the profile nose and pulls the cap, together with the gondola, in the windward direction towards the crane. The control 35 gondola is also held on the mast here, and the flight phase ends. This fixed connection between the gondola and the mast allows a system check to be carried out on WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 33 the control components. A cap is then reefed uniformly on both sides, and the crane can be lowered. I and II in Figure 6a and IV in Figure 6b show that the 5 collapsed element on which wind acts hangs down loosely from the receptacle apparatus. This will be the case, of course, only if there is no wind. In the presence of wind, the collapsed element on which wind acts is aligned more or less horizontally, so that it offers 10 only a small area for the wind to act on and does not exert a large pulling force on the crane. The element on which wind acts is either guided with respect to the crane or the crane is guided with 15 respect to the element on which wind acts, or a combination of both is used. The element on which wind acts is moved towards the receptacle apparatus or docking apparatus by means of suitable guide devices or by sensors, in order that an appropriate mechanism can 20 complete the docking maneuver. Figure 7 illustrates how a speeded-up stowage process can be achieved according to the invention. In the embodiment variant illustrated here, an opening is 25 provided, which is closed by means of Velcro strips or the like, can be torn open, is connected to the inflatable bellows 188, and whose cover 191 is connected to a parachute 192 which can be deployed. In response to an appropriate control command, the 30 parachute 192 is deployed during the stowage process before docking on the element 181, and tears the cover 191 out, so that the pressurized air escapes quickly from the bellows 188. 35 This also makes it possible to initiate an emergency reefing process by rapidly opening the closure area (which closes off the inflatable element) of the cover 191. During this process, the reefing lines 169 and 170 WO 2005/100150 PCT/EP2005/004186 - 34 are connected to the parachute 192. These reefing lines are quickly pulled together by the wind pressure in the parachute 192. 5 The invention is not necessarily linked to the illustrated exemplary embodiments. Other configurations which are within the scope of the invention result from combinations of dependent claims, which will be evident to a person skilled in the art on the basis of the 10 above description.

Claims

1. A deployment system for a freely flying kite-like element on which wind acts, for a watercraft in which the element on 5 which wind acts and which has a wing profile is connected via a hawser to the craft body, in which case the element on which wind acts can be moved from a rest position on-board the watercraft to a raised launch position, which is free of obstructions at the same level or a higher level than the 10 watercraft, characterized in that a holder which can be pivoted in azimuth is provided, by means of which the element on which wind acts can be moved to a position in which it is subject to sufficient wind effect, 15 with a docking receptacle apparatus being provided for detachable connection to a docking adapter of the element on which wind acts on the side facing away from the wind and also allowing the element on which wind acts to be stowed by holding means. 20

2. The deployment system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding means and the element upon which wind acts engage automatically. 25

3. The deployment system as claimed in claim I or claim 2, characterized in that the launch position is arranged offset in the horizontal and/or vertical direction with respect to the location of a cable guide when the element on which wind acts is in the deployed state, with the location of the cable 30 guide being formed by a winch or being located in the vicinity of the winch.

4. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the case of the element on which 35 wind acts, a hawser which spreads out into a number of holding cables is connected to the craft, with a connecting cable being provided, which bridges the spreading point and is passed from the docking adapter on the element on which wind acts to a 36 connecting point, which - seen from the element on which wind acts - is located beyond the spreading point, to the main part of the hawser, and in that a lifeline or a halyard is provided, which originates from the docking receptacle apparatus and whose 5 free end is guided such that it can move with a force fit on the hawser, at least in the area of the connecting cable.

5. The deployment system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the lifeline is connected to the hawser 10 via a cable junction which has means in order to move a guide apparatus, which is in the form of a cable slide and is connected to the end of the lifeline, from its position on the hawser onto the connecting cable when the element on which wind acts is being stowed, while the element on which wind 15 acts is connected to the cable junction via a further line part.

6. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the element on which wind acts 20 exerts a minimal load in the vertical direction in the docked state.

7. The deployment system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the element on which wind acts exerts a minimal load in the 25 vertical direction in the docked state as a result of aerodynamic lift.

8. The deployment system as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the cable junction has an essentially T 30 shaped profile, which is surrounded in an 0-shape by the guide apparatus.

9. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the docking receptacle, which can 35 rotate in azimuth, has an apparatus which automatically places the active direction of the receptacle on the lee side. 37

10. The deployment system of claim 9 wherein the apparatus which automatically places the active direction of the receptacle on the lee side is a wind vane. 5

11. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that it has a lifeline or halyard and that the apparatus has a guide roller, which is attached eccentrically to the docking receptacle, for the lifeline or the halyard. 10

12. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the element on which wind acts is curved over its width extent. 15

13. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the element on which wind acts is caught via an attachment which forms a point for which wind forces acting symmetrically on the element on which wind acts compensate vertically and horizontally. 20

14. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the element on which wind acts has a reefing device, and in that the deployment and stowage of the flexible element on which wind acts take place from a 25 reefed state.

15. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the element on which wind acts has a fixed, unreefed center part. 30

16. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the reefing mechanism has tension strips. 35

17. The deployment system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the reefing mechanism has tension strips which can be operated by a winch. 38

18. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the reefing process takes place in a side extension of the wing profile. 5

19. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that folds which are created during the reefing process are wrapped in between areas with a fixed profile cross section. 10

20. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that an identical profile cross section is provided essentially over the entire wing length.

21. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 15 to 20, characterized in that at least one inflatable element is provided in the area of the wing leading edge and/or between the areas with a fixed wing cross section, in order to increase stability. 20

22. The deployment system as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the inflatable element occupies the entire hollow area of the element on which wind acts.

23. The deployment system as claimed in claim 21 or 22, 25 characterized in that the inflatable element is open at the front and can be filled by ram-air pressure.

24. The deployment system as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that a connecting element having a cross 30 section through which a medium which enters or emerges from the inflatable element can pass is provided in the docking receptacle.

25. The deployment system as claimed in claim 24, 35 characterized in that a powerful fan is provided on or in the vicinity of the docking receptacle, in order to fill/empty the inflatable element. 39

26. The deployment system as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that a mast of the docking receptacle has a hollow area which extends essentially over its length and is connected to the fan. 5

27. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 26, characterized in that a reefing process can be initiated when the element on which wind acts is flying freely, via a remote control or by means of the output signal 10 from at least one sensor element, in which case the deflating process can also be initiated at the same time for an element on which wind acts and which has an inflatable element.

28. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 21 15 to 27, characterized in that an emergency reefing process can be initiated by rapid opening of a closure area which closes the inflatable element.

29. The deployment system as claimed in claim 28, 20 characterized in that rapid opening for the emergency reefing process is carried out by means of a parachute which can be deployed as the hawser is pulled in quickly.

30. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 25 to 29, characterized in that the docking receptacle is arranged at the upper end of a crane.

31. The deployment system as claimed in claim 30, characterized in that the crane is telescopic. 30

32. The deployment system as claimed in claim 31, wherein hydraulic cylinders are connected to adjacent or successive telescopic segments, for drive purposes. 35

33. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 32, characterized in that the holder which can pivot in azimuth has a connecting element for a compressed gas, which 40 connecting element can be connected to the inflatable element of the element on which wind acts.

34. The deployment system as claimed in any one of claims 1 5 to 33, characterized in that the stowage of the element on which wind acts can be initiated automatically in the event of a malfunction of the controller or of a connected appliance which is important for control of the element on which wind acts. 10

35. A deployment system substantially as hereinbefore described.