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By Tim Plaehn
December 9, 2009
For sailboats and sailing yachts, keeping the batteries charged is an important challenge. Wind generators for yachts have become a popular option to provide electrical power in an environmentally friendly manner. Sailboats, by definition, are subject to steady winds that can be used by wind generators to charge up the onboard batteries. Currently there is a good selection of options for someone looking for a wind generator yacht.
wind generator yacht
Wind generators for use on a yacht or sailboat should meet a certain set of criteria (from the Kiss Energy website):
Operate very quietly - Virtually corrosion proof - Simple to service and parts are available worldwide - rugged enough to operate in a gale
Here is a list of companies and websites that provide generators for marine use:
Aerogen Wind Generators are produced in the UK and come in several sizes to produce either 12V or 24V power. They are manufactured by LVM, Ltd and subsidiary of ITT. Website.
Southwest Wind Power produces the AIR-X and AIR Breeze wind generators for marine applications. Here is the company’s webpage for these products.
Ampair MicroWind is another UK based company with a range of wind generator products for yachts. Website.
Also hailing from the UK, Duogen produces generators that can produce power from a towed in the water source or a wind turbine. Website.
Kiss Energy out of Trinidad has a single wind generator model available through distributors worldwide. Website.
Rutland windchargers are from UK based Marlec Renewable Power. The company provides a diverse range of products that appear to be very popular. Website.
Windbugger is no longer producing new turbines but it appears parts continue to be available. The website is still up if you are looking for information.
A wind generator yacht should be chosen based on the type and duration of sailing and the onboard electrical and battery system. Prices vary quite a bit, but I would be most concerned with finding a dealer and installer who will ensure the new turbine functions properly (and can remedy any problems!). Even if you are not in Australia, the Crystal Solar website has some interesting information on the different brands of wind turbines. An exerpt:
“Over the past 10 years I have sold only around 15 individual blades for Rutland and a single blade for an Aerogen 6. All the rutland blades were sold to cruisers as spares….I have sold no less than 950 sets of three blades for Air – that’s 2850 individual blades”
I have no recommendation for one brand over another; I do recommend however, that you do your own extensive research. The online sailing forums have terrific discussions on the various forms of power generation. If you do not already have one, a wind generator for your yacht may be just the ticket to provide a reliable source of non-polluting electrical power.
Have you purchased
carbon credits lately?
Sources: OnPassage.com, Crystal Solar
Common misspellings:
terbine, torbine, gnerator, genarator, genearater, yahct
