Portable wind for RVs to supplement Solar?

saboken
saboken Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭
edited October 2022 in Wind Power Generation #1
Any wind generators that can be used to supplement Solar in a RV ? I'm going to install a large Victron system in My camper. I want to use the Honda generator as little as possible. My thoughts are is there something reliable that can be erected on a Semi permanent  basis (4-8 weeks at a time) that can be stored in a RV. I've seen helical wind generators on small businesses, not sure how reliable they are or how much power they can generate? Just trying to find my options 
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  • 706jim
    706jim Solar Expert Posts: 519 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Wind generators will indeed generate "some" power. However, to be effective they require near gale force wind velocities and an elevated obstruction free tower to get anywhere close to their advertised output. And when they ARE working to any capacity they are noisy. I think you would be better off with more panels or just submit to running your Honda for the required periods. Also consider that if a windy was quoted as generating 400 watts at 40mph wind speed it will be generating 1/8 of that at 20mph wind speed. It's not a linear relationship.
    Island cottage solar system with appriximately 2500 watts of panels, 1kw facing southeast 1.3kw facing southwest 170watt ancient Arco's facing due south. All panels in parallel for a 24 volt system. Trace DR1524 MSW inverter which has performed flawlessly since 1994. Outback Flexmax 80 MPPT charge controller four 467A-h AGM batteries. Insignia 11.5 cubic foot electric fridge 1/4hp GSW piston pump. My 31st year.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #3
    As Jim says, wind, at best, is highly variable and usually unreliable source of power (as well as noisy).

    You need to anchor the turbine to withstand high winds (storms). And that is difficult to do without permanent foundation/guy wires, etc.

    Also--I have yet to see a vertical axis wind turbine produce any useful amount of energy over any period of time.

    Horizontal Axis wind turbines are about the only type that can produce a useful power in >12 mph winds. Finding good/reliable HAWT. Good tower/guy wires, and the proper charge controller (HAWT usually use a Dump Controller--HAWT can easily over speed in moderate to high winds if not electrically loaded or mechanically shut down).

    A multiple wind turbine test was done in the Netherlands:

    http://theoildrum.com/node/6954

    Lots of interesting results (i.e., few met their specs, or even worked long term).

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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