‘Wind generators can provide an effective alternative for charging boat batteries.  Modern turbines are quiet, efficient and can considerably reduce the hours you spend with your engine running.’ 

The average yacht these days, used for cruising and club racing, is more often than not fitted out with a wide range of electrical equipment to help make navigation simpler, safer and more enjoyable for the skipper and crews onboard.  However, most of the gadgets and gismos available rely upon a constant supply of power from the vessels battery and the more electronic technology there is on board they higher the demand.  A yacht may have the most up to date computerised plotter, marine radio, radar, auto pilot, and navigation lights but if the battery is flat they are no use at all. 

However there are ways to combat this problem!  Installing a wind generator on your boat may not be something you have considered before but there are more reasons than just’ Going Green’ to make it a worth while exercise!  Once installed, a wind generator will not cost you a penny and will provide you with a free source of power for your battery whether you are moored up in a marina or sailing off shore for days on end.  How many of us have just sat with our engines running, going no where while we wait for the battery to charge?  Well this is highly inefficient, a waste of precious fuel you may need at a later date and not particularly good for your engine.

The electricity produced by wind generators can be used directly or can be stored in batteries for later usage which is particularly important when sailing offshore and relying solely on your battery for power.  The latest generation of wind turbines offer high energy yield and can control the speed of the blades which means quieter rotation.  Additionally, the newer turbines have a charge controller which removes the need for a large number of trickle charge batteries as before and they are also designed to start generating at lower wind speeds.  The average wind turbine can now generate some power around 98% of the time.  

There are several factors to take into consideration when looking for a wind generator:-

• The diameter of the turbine blades – The larger the blades the bigger the area presented to the wind and therefore the greater the amount of wind energy able to be captured by the turbine.
• The design of the turbine blades - The blade diameter and rpm determine the blade tip speed and it is the blade tip speed and shape that determine the amount of noise created by the turbines.  There are a variety of wind generators on the market so research them thoroughly to find out which will suit your boat and needs the best.
• The design of the generator – This will determine the turbines energy output relative to its rpm.  As already mentioned, there are a large range of turbines to choose from and they are available in varying sizes with varying energy out puts.  Choose a generator that will suit your boat and meet your demand on your battery. 

References

Robin Clegg (2006) ‘Making your craft more Resource efficient’

Duo Gen - www.duogen.co.uk

Ampair – www.ampair.com

Energy Development Co-operative Limited - www.unlimited-power.co.uk/Aerogen_wind_turbines

For more information visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk