The Outcome of my Wind Generator Project

[sjohn_gibson]

Earlier in the year on this forum I sought advice about mounting an Air Marine wind generator that I had recently purchased. I was hit with a number of critical replies pointing out my poor choice of wind generator – its noise – with only one constructive reply about the mounting issue.

After 2 months of use I thought it appropriate to update the forum on my experiences to date.

I mounted the generator at the top of mizzen. When it is charging there is a low but not intrusive swish noise - it is not distracting or annoying. When the batteries are fully charged, or if blade speed becomes excessive (strong gusts), the integral controller applies a brake (electrically). When braked the blades rotate slowly and are silent. In addition, I can select the brake on and the generator falls silent. I use this facility when anchored/moored near other boats, just in case there is down wind noise that I am not subjected to. When under sail I can’t hear the swish noise.

I accept that there may have been a noise problem with the earlier Air Marine models but it does not apply to the AirX model which has, in my opinion, successfully addressed the noise problem.

Best of all I have had the fridge, instruments + auto pilot “ON” and the generator (12-15 kts of wind) has maintained full charge in the batteries, often cutting out in the process.

I am delighted with its performance. If you would like any advice on how I mounted it just drop me a PM.


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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

The same people who winge about wind generator noise in anchorages etc. will quite happily start their engines to recharge their batteries.

I pretty much sleep under my aerogen and its whispy noises send me off to sleep. My batteries stay in the green, I do not plug into a marina to survive, I can sail without running engines, I can keep my fridge cold and on.....

The one thing about braking, Aerogen suggests that using the brake, ie, shorting the generator should not be used too often, better to tie off the blades if you want to stop it for longer periods. Is the Air Marine advice different?

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[sjohn_gibson]

No restriction on shorting out Air Marine - details on how it works is on their web site www.windenergy.com. In fact they advise not to tie the blades because it can lead to flat spots on the bearings. I can't tie mine off anyway because of its location - top of mast.

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[martinb]

I guess I am one of those that whinge about wind generator noise in anchorages, but do not see the need to run engines either. I have neither fridge, tv, dvd or any other big consumer of electrickery and long may it remain so!
I think noise pollution is an increasing problem in all anchorages and I don't care wether it comes from wind generators, engines, PWC, stereos or tvs it is all unwarented and spoils a good anchorage.
If anyone knows any anchorages in and around the solent that are devoid of such pollution please let me know.

Martin

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[bobnewbury]

thanks for that..

I've been looking to buy a wind generator before we sail off into the sunset, but I've found it almost impossible to make a decision as you can only really appreciate things like noise when you see/hear the things in operation.

Where did you get your AirX, and about how much was it?

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[ashanta]

I am not aware of your original post and it it a little sad that you seem to want to come back with a little resentment. The people on this forum are from all walks of life and if you didn't receive the response last time don't rub it in.

Your kit sounds pretty good and with a mizzen facilty you have good options. I too have a wind generator (Aerogen2) with a regulator. but in a confined cockpit on my previous boat (hunter26) I found it got got in the way. My currenty boat (T31) has a mast positioned Forgen generator which is great until a loose haliard comes in to contact with it.
I would like to to re fit my Aerogen at the stern now that my boat can facilitate this and crew are not affected.
Regards.

Peter.


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[BrendanS]

There are a few ways to treat threads you instigate. Post and watch, Post and respond, or post and respond, then tell the buggers to revert to your original point

Threads drift, despite what you'd like to see answered. Any post on this or similar subject will receive a lot of comments on the suitability of equipment as many have been down that route before, and hence the advice given

You're feedback is excellent!

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[snowleopard]

interesting that the Air-X seems to have addressed the noise problems of the earlier versions. as far as i remember, it has the same casing and blades and the difference is in the regulator. as mine gets much less use than i would like because of the noise factor i wonder if an upgrade is possible without shelling out for a new one?

incidentally, are they still powder coating them? - mine is now virtually bare metal as the coating is flaking off.

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[sjohn_gibson]

Can I suggest you have a look at their web site www.windenergy.com. They give a good summary of the improvements and that includes improving the powder coating process. Sounds as though this company listens to is customers and works to-wards improving their product.

Equally, I found their on-line technical help prompt. I made 2 separate queries concerning horizontal forces and rotation speed and had clear replies to both questions. I suggest you send them an email.



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[jkim1]

Seems like your dad is Air X
Just cruise up the Medina you will hear the Air X's screaming over a force 4 but they do have a massive output. Most of the "nicer" people have LVM,s or Rutlands. If Air X has improved it would be nice if they took in al the old ones and fixed them.

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[Sunnyseeker]

Re: thanks for that..

The Ampair blades are much quieter than anything, and it is a big problem especially if its lower down on a pole at the stern and you sleep in the aft cabin...
We used the Aquair, towed when sailing (downwind sailing leaves not much wind for a wind gen) then hiost above the boom when you stop.
We always had too much electric and no noise....apart from when surfing down waves at 10 knots + and the towed gen jumps out of the water...
Fantastic product and service...after 10,000 miles in 10 months the bearings had a bit of noise so they change them FOC.
They just lanched a new model with adjustable pitch blades and more power.
We never ran the engine had our nav lights on all night, ran a fridge and usual electronics, and a laptop for wetaherfax and text.

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