Wind Generators

[Breals]

I will be needing some power for lights, TV, laptop, stereo and 12v mini fridge... without a hook-up, and (with the price of diesel about to shoot up) I was thinking of getting a wind generator.

 

Any thoughts on brands and models to use? I have a budget of about 500 quid. My research so far suggests the Rutland 910/913 series. Nuggets of wisdom, pertinent digressions and helpful asides greatly appreciated.

Edited August 18, 2005 by Breals

[Gary Peacock]

Without you really fancy a bit of DIY the Rutland stuff is probably the best it is expensive but it does work.

 

On the DIY front you could have a look at these-

 

http://www.otherpower.com/17page1.html

 

http://www.bwea.com/you/byo.html

 

http://www.green-trust.org/wind.htm

 

If you do go down the DIY route keep us informed, I always fancied a go at it but never had access to the equipment to manufacture one. (I now have but don't have the time!)

[bottle]

Check output against wind speed, some of them need a gale to produce e decent charge/output rate.

[dor]

Check output against wind speed, some of them need a gale to produce e decent charge/output rate.

 

quite true, and if it blows slightly faster then it has to shut down - or at least that's what happens to the bigs ones they keep sticking on the Welsh hills.

[Breals]

Rutland 913 spec

 

The Rutland seems to operate over a good range of windspeeds, apparently its quiet too. The DIY kits look a bit involved, but thanks for the links perhaps someone else might have a go...

[matt]

We've got solar and wind which came with the boat - we have 3x105a, Rutland 913 and 40w solar.

 

 

If I started again I would look at putting more batteries in and boosting the solar to 200w+, there are some very nice panels around now that work in fairly low light.

 

The windy doesn't seem to contribute much - but we don't use much really, it's only when I recharge the laptop and camera that I drain the current config.

 

In it's current config I can run lights, bilge, water pump, stereo etc. (no TV or fridge) without needing to run the engine, it just tops itself up during the day - even if overcast.

 

Hope this helps.

[Breals]

I had thought that wind was more effective than solar, but after reading the above post I'll have a look at some panels. Cheers.

 

I found a good comparison of wind gens here.