Amps

[Flossdog]

Am trying to get my head round a wind generator manufacturer's statement that it typically generates, "12 amps in a 24 hr period". I thought that amps were a measure of the rate or amount of current flow so are not dependent on time. Can anyone enlighten me please.

 

[pvb]

You're right. They're wrong. They probably mean amp-hours. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence though, does it?

edit: Also see this old thread.

 

[Flossdog]

Thanks pvb. Thanks also for the link. Seems that my solar panel is as good as the Forgen even taking account of the fact that we get more wind than sun in West Wales!

 

[VicS]

As PVB says.

I did find a more recent brochure on line but that talks about so many watts per 24 hours. Equally incorrect terminology.

At first sight the Forgens appear to be the perfect answer for a small boat but the low output must make them the most expensive in terms of capital cost per amp of output of any system.

Look at the performance graphs of current (amps) output vs wind speed.

If it's high power combined with the advantages of a vertical axis that you want then how about one of THESE A little larger than the Forgens it must be said.

 

[jkim1]

Generally it would mean 12 ampere hours. Meaning that it will average half an amp at 12 volts over a 24 hour period. The word is generally. If its blowing a hooley all week it will give you considerably more, if there is no wind all week it will give you no charge at all. Hope this helps.
regards

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
If its blowing a hooley all week it will give you considerably more......

[/ QUOTE ]It would have to be blowing a real hooley! According to the Forgen 500 data sheet, it needs a steady F6-F7 wind to generate half an amp.

 

[Flossdog]

Thanks all. Pity about the lack of performance of the Forgen. I like the idea, silent running and safety of the Forgen but as Vic says, must be the most expensive in terms of cost per amp and so a non starter. The screaming of the propellor types in a blow is also not on so I'll think I'll get another solar panel!