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electrical:wind [2021/02/19 11:19]
frater_secessus created
electrical:wind [2021/02/19 13:48] (current)
frater_secessus [tuning for wind]
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-While it can be done, in general wind power generation are impractical for nomadic use +[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of wisdom]]:  "I would recommend you add more solar first. Only once you've topped out with that would I suggest a windgen. -- Mike OReilley((https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/most-popular-wind-generators-244603.html#post3311782))"
  
-Consider this anecdote:+====== wind power ======
  
-> On my small 37-foot monohull I have 400 watts solar and a 400 watt (theoretical) windgen.((windgen == wind generator)) From my experience in the mid/upper latitudes mostly summer months, I would say my windgen provides about 15 to 20% of my power needs, while the solar does the bulk... I would recommend you add more solar first. Only once you've topped out with that would I suggest a windgen. -- Mike OReilley((https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/most-popular-wind-generators-244603.html#post3311782))+Small wind power generators (sometimes called //turbines//) are popular with homesteaders and cruising boats.  Wind works at night when solar does not, and also works in heavy weather when [[electrical:solar:output|solar harvest]] is heavily compromised.
  
-====== challenges ======+Homesteaders can put up tall masts and boats often already have upright masts and are generally away from surface level obstructions: 
 + 
 +> On my small 37-foot monohull I have 400 watts solar and a 400 watt (theoretical) windgen.((windgen == wind generator)) From my experience in the mid/upper latitudes mostly summer months, I would say my windgen provides about 15 to 20% of my power needs, while the solar does the bulk...  
 + 
 +For various reasons wind power is less common with vehicle dwellers.   
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== challenges =====
  
 Wind generators require Wind generators require
  
-* sustained winds, which are rare where nomads choose to camp +  * sustained winds, which are rare where nomads choose to camp.  Compare manufacturer specs with [[https://www.weather.gov/ilx/swopwindscale|this visual wind speed estimation chart]].   
-* high mounts, with bases on the ground or mounted to the vehicle +  * high mounts, with bases on the ground or mounted to the vehicle 
-* a way to "dump" load to keep the gen from overspeed damage in high winds +  * a way to "dump" load to keep the gen from overspeed damage in high winds, although some nice windgens have built-in electronic controls for this.  
-* teardown in very high winds+  * teardown in very high winds 
 +  * money - windgens cost 3-4x more than solar for the same output rating 
 + 
 +==== tuning for wind ==== 
 + 
 +Usable power typically starts around 10mph, where flags stand straight out.  Full rating is typically achieved at 20mph+, where small trees sway and whitecaps appear on bodies of water.  
 + 
 +Generally speaking, windgens with higher max outputs have higher minimum "start-up speeds", or speeds when the vanes start turning.  Vandwellers in normal wind conditions will likely bias toward low start-up speeds, resulting in relatively low max outputs.   
 + 
 +==== dump loads ==== 
 + 
 +The easiest dump load for vandwellers is electric water heating, which [[opinion:frater_secessus:beginner_mistakes#heating_and_cooling|can suck up a huge amount of power]] if needed.  
 + 
 +===== recommended units ===== 
 + 
 +  * D400 (UK) -  
 +  * Superwind (Germany) - 
  
-FIXME 
  
 +===== further reading =====
  
 +  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClHJMEm8HZ4|Cheap RV Living microturbine video]] with Jim
electrical/wind.1613751587.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/02/19 11:19 by frater_secessus