Wind generators

[sadler]

I am looking to install a wind generator on a 32ft Vancouver. I have a bank of 3 x 180amp batteries. It is only needed to keep these batteries charged mainly during the winter period. The batteries are not used to run any ancillary equipment other than lighting and starting the engine!!

Have been looking at the Forgen500 because it is small and unobtrusive - any feedback??

 

[cliff]

A friend fitted one - total waste of money. I think the chart below is self explanatory. 3 batteries only getting ½ amp max is not going to do much IMO.
Have a good look at the wind speeds needed to give the output /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

It might be OK to keep a single engine start battery up but I seriously doubt if it would do much for 3X180Ah batteries.

I would invest the money in a small genset instead or fit a decent wind gen such as the Aerogen 4 or 6.
--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[vyv_cox]

I once had the same thought but realised when I looked at the data that a Forgen produces less current than my solar panel, even in UK.

If your only requirement is for relatively light battery top-up then a solar panel will be excellent. I have three 110 Ah batteries and all are kept topped right up in the winter by a single 38 Watt panel with a regulator that is designed for a twin battery installation. In summer I add a 34 Watt panel which makes us almost self sufficient for power in the Med, running an 80 litre refrigerator full time.

 

[pappaecho]

I have both solar and wind power and so I have experience of both . I have 120 amp hour main engine battery and 2 x 100 amp hour deep discharge service batteries.
My boat is on a swinging mooring in Portsmouth harbour, so no mains electricty.
With 2 "15 watt" solar panels, during the winter the battery voltages were about 12-12.1 volts.
I fitted a Rutland 913, which resulted in the batteries being closer to 14 volts rather than 12. I also installed a Rutland splitter, which intelligently charges both banks, switches off when the voltage gets to 14 volts, and which can take both solar and wind inputs. Finally the system has switch, which shuts off the turbine, so no danger of get struck by blades, or for that matter lost sleep to the whirring blades when on board.
Yesterday was on board; Both banks at 13.85 volts, and as it was Force 5and dull the inputs were negligible for the solar panel, but 1.5 to 2.5 amps from the wind generator, which is more than the two solar panels can manage in blue skies in mid summer.
As wind generation takes place during the whole 24 hour period, and is more likely to be working in the depths of winter, I have come to the conclusion that it is ideal for sailors in the UK, specially those who sail outside of the summer season. In stronger light conditions it may be that solar power is preferable.

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the forum /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Technically, I totally agree with the other posts to date. Do consider the security aspect; windgens and solar panels are desirable - is there adequate security at your mooring/berth? Otherwise, just fully charge, disconnect the leads and leave it. If you don't have access to shore power, consider a demountable solar panel and leave it inside, bringing it out when you get on board. You will be amazed how quickly the volts rise to the point where the engine starts quickly - by the time you've made a cup of tea and sorted yourself out you will probably find the battery is looking good. So, consider a small solar that you can leave inside maybe a flexible one that can lie over the boom?

 

[Marmalade]

Rutland 913 here through a rutland regulator - on a swinging mooring - batteries always topped up full when we come on board

 

[R32Stbrigid]

I have had a Rutland 913 for about ten years - excellent piece of kit. The output is lower than some other models but it is also much quieter!

 

[LadyInBed]

Have a look at the ST Comparison (reproduced by Marlec) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[andy_wilson]

I keep a 260ah bank maintained over winter by 2 X 20W solar panels. They are laid in the cockpit so often shaded fron direct, low winter sun, and get full of muck and leaves between visits which includes a clean (which is important).

In spring they are usually at 13.2 to 13.5V.