what is the best wind generator

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iwillmott

iwillmott

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Apr 12, 2009
101
Hunter 1996 hunter 40.5 Green Cove Springs FL
I'm looking at wind and solar combined for my first time $$$ on my new-to-me legend 40.5.. Is there any difference between Air-X and Air Breeze? Emarine systems in fla sells a hybrid package with 2, 135 kyrocers and a 400 watt air-x for what seems an attractive price I want to spend all winter in Bahamas
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,182
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
From observation and discussion with the folks who live aboard their boats in (breezy) Cat Harbor, Catalina Island, there is a trend to more reliance on solar than wind. Also, there is a trend to replace the three blade units with six blade units, often Rutland. See here for an example: http://www.emarineinc.com/categories/Wind-Turbines/Marine-Wind-Turbines/Rutland-913-250-Watt/
The guys tell me that the six blade units begin generating at lower wind speeds and are quieter (I can attest to that!). However, the wind generators are still useful because the wind kicks up to 15-20 knots like clockwork about 1500 each day and often blows through the better part of a night, although tapering some.

Not sure if any of that matters in the Bahamas, but remember that you will be seeking sheltered anchorages where there might not be that much wind to begin with. Rich Stidger has a wind generator mounted on his 40.5. You may want to PM him, although I suspect he's a bit busy right now.

I'm going to replace my aft upper lifelines with solid s/s tubing and add two 100 watt (removable) solar panels there. 40.5's are power hungry given the two refrigeration compressors. I go through 100-120 amps a day with 66 watts of solar panels on my bimini while I'm there. Good luck!
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,096
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
Several years ago I installed an Air-X 400W generator on my 1997 h40.5.

I *think* the primary difference between the Air-X and the Breeze is the maximum power output. I think that the Air-X max output is 400W and the Breeze is 200W. You should check me on that.

I understand that the Breeze will start turning and begin generating at a slightly lower wind speed than the Air-X. My Air-X will start turning at about 8-9 mph but not much power is generated until you get up to 15+ mph.

15 mph wind will generate about 2-4 amps and 20 mph will generate 8-10 amps. I have only rarely seen output in the 20+ amp range and then only for a short time, the 400W output is never realized. Possibly having the Breeze with it's max output about 16A would be a better choice if it begins generating at a lower speed. You would have to study the charging curves to get an accurate understanding.

Both look similar and probably use the same mount. I have a collection of pictures showing the mounting installation. If you are interested, email me from the owner's directory and I will email you the pictures that I have.

One issue that I have experienced with the Air-X is that, for reasons I don't understand, the generator will spontaneously move from facing the wind to 120 degrees off the wind and then stop. It will then slowly re-orient itself back into the wind and repeat the dance. I have found that adding a tail onto the back of the vane will fix this problem. I suspect that the tail is just too small to keep it held into the wind. My average output increased dramatically after I added a small spinning kite to the tail.
 

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iwillmott

iwillmott

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Apr 12, 2009
101
Hunter 1996 hunter 40.5 Green Cove Springs FL
ever consider mounting two panels "side by each", as said in some lattitudes, on the davits? I have the big marteks and I can swing on 'em without any movement
 
Rich Stidger

Rich Stidger

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Feb 10, 2004
4,096
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
Yes I considered one or two panels but I'm not sure that I want the additional complications or expense. I have a winter cover that requires the davits to be removed, and mounting solar would add some real effort to that task.

Actually, if you have decent wind in the 12-17 mph for 8-10 hours, you can get 35-45 AH of power each day. For me the key was adding the extra tail to the vane. That alone increased my generation significantly.

However, if I was to do it all over again, and knowing what I do now, I think I would lean toward getting two 135W solar panels. The advantages would be quiet operation and probably more overall power.
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

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Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
also
http://www.duogen.co.uk/
This is all about having options so you can fit them to your situation and boat use.
I beleive that is why long term cruisers have solar, wind, water, alternators, and genset to try and cover all the bases. Your mileage will surely vary
 
Ron McCoy

Ron McCoy

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Oct 10, 2008
277
Catalina 445 Yorktown
What ever path you decide to pursue, read up on the specs first. The newer wind generators are obviously better producers in low wind conditions. However, ensure you have the battery storage capacity as it becomes somewhat critical with high performance units (or you're using power as it's being produced). Look at your boat's total systems and make sure you're in balance with other systems and your actual boat use. Do an energy audit - when and how much power to you need? Solars require less "oversight" with the right charge controller and don't make noise as some wind turbines do. Bottom line: do the homework and keep all systems/use working in balance with themselves.
 
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