What Is a Wind Turbine on a Boat?
Boat wind turbines, or wind generators, use wind power to generate electricity for boat electrical needs. Wind generators supply energy to the boat’s batteries, which supply power for systems such as lights and refrigeration. Wind generators are commonly seen on long-distance cruising sailboats, especially boats anchored in warm climates with consistently strong trade winds. Depending on the anchored vessel’s electrical usage, a wind generator can delay the need to use engine power to charge batteries.
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Components
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The United States Department of Energy notes that all wind generators have two or more blades to capture wind energy. Blades are connected to a generator that converts the wind energy into electricity. An anemometer monitors the wind speed, and tells a controller when to turn the machine on or off. A brake can be engaged to turn the unit off in emergencies. Other mechanical components help to control the wind generator’s orientation to the wind.
Charging Requirements
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Compared with solar energy, wind generators produce power in more varied weather conditions. Defender Marine reports that in regions where winds average at least nine miles per hour, wind generators produce energy (and electricity) whether it’s sunny or cloudy. Solar panels can only function well in sunny conditions. Defender states that when dollars are equally invested in solar and wind generation equipment, the wind generator produces up to four times more electricity.
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Noise Reduction
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Many wind generators have traditionally produced annoying “flutter” or “whop-whop-whop” noises in winds greater than 35 miles per hour. EarthTech Products notes that wind generator controllers can now electronically monitor the wind strength and blade energy output. When the blades reach their optimum power output, the controller slows them down to reduce noise. In high winds, the unit is designed to produce less power but also less noise.
Sources
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Seven wind generator brands can be installed aboard boats of varied sizes. Onpassage.com, a cruising yacht resource, notes that some of the generators are designed for smaller sailboats, and feature lighter construction without loss of performance. Other wind generators are heavily built, and are designed for the rigors of ocean crossings with strong to severe winds. One newer model includes microprocessor-controlled functions that result in more charging capacity with less overall noise.
Warning
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When operating a wind generator on a boat, elevate the unit in a seldom-used location such as the stern, or very back part, of the boat. Install the wind generator on a tall, sturdy pole much higher than crew members can normally reach. Do not ever attempt to touch the blades while the unit is in operation. Because of the wind generator blades’ high-speed rotation, serious injury or worse can result.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wind turbines image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
