ampStay

ampStay is an innovative wind turbine with narrow, cylindrical wings rotating around the backstay of sailing yachts. Wind energy is harvested by a narrow cylindrical rotor which is attached to and rotating around the backstay, the bracing from the stern to top of mast. ampStay is the only wind turbine worldwide which doesn't need a fixed mast because it uses a steel rope as rotor axis. Modern sailing yachts have lots of electrical consumers on board - from chartplotter to autopilot, refridgeration, coffee machine, water desalinator, chargers for notebooks, tablets and phones up to cabin lighting an air condition. Therefore power is needed, especially on tour and while anchoring in remote locations! ampStay is whisper quiet, even at strong winds. By using the backstay, depending on the type of yacht, up to 10 metres rotor height are available. Especially in the upper mast area, where the wind is stronger and more even than just above the deck, ampStay utilizes previously unused space for power generation. Unlike solar cells, electricity is also generated at high latitudes, at night and under overcast skies, making ampStay a perfect supplement to solar. ampStay may be operated up to 40kn wind speed and provides protection for more extreme wind situations. The stern of a yacht remains free and unblocked by any ugly additional mast which is mandatory for classic horizontal wind turbines. The appealing design elegantly matches the lines of a yacht and is a widely visible sign of sustainability. The rotor and most parts are fast and easy to mount and remove. The turbine is designed according to latest aerodynamic research to combine excellent efficiency with maximum running smoothness. Supported by the Institute for renewable energy in Vienna the turbine has been tested and optimised under harsh conditions and is now ready for mass production to be selled worldwide.