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For some time I have been researching ways to generate energy without the support of my boat's genset. It doesn't take extremely long to use 100 hours of generator time, enough for another oil change. To begin with I installed a solar panel, and after that came an inverter, and now, the latest is a wind generator. Wind has been used for producing power for centuries; first in Persia (present-day Iran) as long ago as 200 B.C. Yet, the first recognized practical windmills were created by the Dutch in 1300, by way of cloth sails stretched across wooden frames. In a number of styles these sails could be trimmed to take advantage of inconsistent wind speed surroundings. The big windmills of the Dutch model remained in operation all throughout Europe until the launch of the steam engine in the 1800s. Wind is in reality a variety of solar energy. Winds are brought about by the irregular heating of the atmosphere by the sunlight, the differences of the earth's surface, and spinning of the earth. Wind flow patterns are formed by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, man-made buildings and plant life. We human beings can make use of this wind flow for a lot of reasons: sailing a boat, flying a kite, flying an aircraft and even producing electrical energy. The term wind power describes the method by which the wind is utilized to generate mechanical energy. This mechanical energy can then be utilized for precise mechanical chores such as cutting grain or pumping water. Or as used on a vessel, an alternator in a wind generator can convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy. So how do wind generators create electricity? Simply stated, a wind generator operates the opposite of a fan. As an alternative to using electricity to make wind, like a fan, wind generators use wind to create electricity. The wind spins the blades, which rotate a shaft. The shaft connects to an alternator and makes electricity. In our boat's turbine, the alternator produces 220 volt 3-phase AC current. The controller, converter, then changes the AC power to 12 volt DC power to charge the battery bank. Wind Availability
When deciding whether a wind generator is economically practical for your yacht relies upon on the quality of your wind resources. Normally, average wind speeds of at least 10 mph are required for a small wind turbine to produce adequate electrical power to be cost-effective. Since we are on the Atlantic coast, we have afternoon sea breezes in the summer time which normally produce 10-15 mph winds. If your vessel is inland, your winds will likely be different. The most substantial component of evaluating your wind resource is an anemometer. Anemometers are wind measuring devices, normally designed with rotating cups placed on a vertical shaft. The anemometer will allow you to "read" the wind speeds. If there is another yacht owner with a wind turbine system in your area, you may be able to get valuable information from them concerning the electrical productivity of the system and wind speed facts. Such information could be tremendously useful as an alternative to mounting an anemometer.
Turbine Installation
Determining the place to mount your wind turbine takes some planning. The turbine has to be high enough to catch the wind, if possible clear from arches, sails or masts that will obstruct or change wind flow. There is also the concern of rotating blades. We want to be sure that they do not hit anything while spinning, especially someone's head while walking around the trawler. I decided to utilize the factory constructed pole kit that was made for our turbine. It supplies a 3-point connection which also lets us to lay it down for service. It is powder coated anodized aluminum, with stainless steel brackets, developed to endure the tough marine setting. My wind turbine is in fact a cross system I designed using both wind power and solar power. Being Neighborly
A good number of individuals feel strongly about the need to protect the views and peace and quiet of their marinas. Expect a number of inquiries from your dockmates. Appreciate your neighbors' instinctive concern of the unknown and be prepared to react to their worries. Some of the concerns brought up about wind generators are false. Wind turbines are not, as many people think, dangerous to birds. A shiny reflective window is more dangerous to birds than a small wind turbine. Wind turbines also have no way to disturb radio and television reception. Wind Turbine Noise
Your neighbors' issues concerning wind turbine noise are significant. Regardless of the size of the wind turbine, the possibility for turbine noise to disturb other people always exists. Even if a wind turbine does not emit enough sound to break any sound regulations, the sound it creates may still be bothersome to other people. Older generators were certainly loud, but contemporary engineering has manufactured turbine blades that are nearly silent. Our turbine is about 3 feet in diameter and at 4 mph winds; the unit produces a light flutter. At 10 mph the unit makes no noise at all. Wind Generator Advantages: Wind costs nothing, produces no waste or greenhouse gases, does not usually get in the way of other boating activities. Wind Turbine Drawbacks: The wind is not consistently predictable - a number of days we have no wind at all; some people feel that wind turbines ruin the lines of a boat; I thought that way as well in the beginning but have since altered my outlook. Some units can be noisy. The small contemporary wind turbines put on yachts hardly create any noise at all. How Much Power Do They Generate
Generators can be purchased that create numerous energy outputs. The turbine that I selected is a Sunforce 450 watt turbine. It has a cut-in speed of 4 mph and has a survival wind speed capability of 157 mph. The amps (power) produced is:
- 6 mph winds - 8.3 amps
- 10 mp winds - 25 amps
- 14 mph winds - 58.3 amps The machine has a built in brake that will go on automatically when the batteries are at full charge, or it can be manually set if so desired. Mike Dickens, the author, is a live aboard boat owner and owner/Broker of Paradise Yachts in Florida USA. Paradise Yachts offers used quality yachts to customers worldwide. National and international sales. We ship Used Trawlers, Motor Yachts and Cruisers worldwide. Located in Florida, USA. 904/556-9431
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