Wind Generator?

[BrianH]

Thank you for link.
I guess it is Air breeze marine.
One questuon: Air X, Air breeze, Air 40- are these "the same"?

I have the Air-X with a peak output of 400W, which was then discontinued (I think) when they brought out the Air Breeze at only 200W. I think it was thought that the Air-X had too much rotor resistance to start at lower wind speeds so potential output was sacrificed for easier starting and faster rotation at lower wind speeds.

My Air-X will start to rotate at 8 knots and be producing significant amps from 10 knots or more. I have had it for 12 years but would never consider replacing it for the Mediterranean where wind is often too little, the sun is so reliable and solar panels are now so cheap.

Edit:
I now see that I was right about the Air-X being discontinued when the Air Breeze was introduced but re-introduced in 2012:

"The Air-X Marine was relaunched by Primus Windpower in 2012 due to high demand. The Air-X has an incredible 400w output squeezed into a small lightweight body with built in charge controller. It is recommended in areas with higher wind speeds and is specifically designed for use in marine environments whether on yachts, buoys, coastal or industrial installations."​

 

[NornaBiron]

Thank you for link.
I guess it is Air breeze marine.
One questuon: Air X, Air breeze, Air 40- are these "the same"?

We have an Air Breeze, bought in 2011. When the wind is blowing, and when it is working, it is great, worth every penny. However, in the first three years of ownership (thankfully whilst still under warranty) it was returned twice. The first return resulted in the complete unit being replaced (we don't know exactly why) and the second return ended in a new pcb being fitted. Since then we have already had to replace the bearings. It is noisy when running although you do get use to that. When the brake is applied due to too much wind, it sounds like the whole thing is going to fall around our heads or take off, and you don't get use to that, it is very disconcerting. Every time we have dealt with the company we have had to argue our case to get any result.

Would we buy another wind gen? Yes definitely. Would we buy an Air Breeze or recommend them to anyone? No way, in our opinion the money would be better spent elsewhere.

 

[Peroo]

A happy user of an Aerogen6 - works for us. And it's quieter than many.

 

[TQA]

A key factor IMHO on deciding to fit a wind genny is can you put up with the noise and vibration.

I often make my anchoring location decision based on what wind gennys are going to be nearby. There are a couple of the older ones that can waken the dead.

BTW I am in the Carib with 400 watts solar, the fridge makes ice and I almost never need to run the engine to charge the batteries. No wind genny.

 

[macd]

BTW I am in the Carib with 400 watts solar, the fridge makes ice and I almost never need to run the engine to charge the batteries. No wind genny.

On the other hand, if you're going to have a wind genny, then the Carib is a very good place to put it, wind being both reliable and rather more nocturnal than sunshine :encouragement:
Over recent years the general bias has clearly moved towards solar, with very good reason. But wind can be a useful addition...in the right place.