Wind turbine

[Robert_374536725]

Hi,

We've sited a tourer in our garden on the coast in Anglesey (very windy) for friends etc. to stay in. Does anybody have any info about whether a turbine would suffice for the electric and if so what type? The caravan is a Compass Shiraz 2004.

Many thanks, Wogan.

 

[Sproket]

I presume you are after something like this .. ?

http://www.energyenv.co.uk/D400WindTurbine.asp
Or just google ( house wind turbines )

 

[Oldsalt49]

Hi Robert,

The wind turbine generators that are affordable to us general public are not very good as a replacement for a electric hook up. B&Q used to sell one for

 

[Sproket]

Now this is you cheaper option if the cost of a wind turbine is too expensive...

why not just run a EHU cable down to the van... ? if you want to measure the power its using then buy a unit like this one..?

Plug-in power, Energy meter

Plug this in first & the put the EHU into it, that way you will know exactly how much electic is being used..? its max load is 13amp.. ( 3Kw )..?

 

[Dave_374330759]

Have a look at these http://www.marlec.co.uk/products/windchargers/rutland-913-windcharger/

They are used extensively on boats and a lot of road signs nowadays. One of these could be used to charge and maintain the battery in the van. If you wanted to use it as prime power then a couple of largish batteries and perhaps a solar panel would give you all you need provided you were happy to survive on 12v and gas for cooking and heating. There really isn't any need for 240v even if you want to run a computer - Maplins do 12v computer supplies which are more efficient than using an inverter and you can get 12v supplies for your Ipod and mobile phone etc

Your main power draw would be the TV at about 4amps, lighting consumption could be reduced significantly by using LEDs. Most of the rest such as water pumps, heater blower motors etc are fairly low averaged over a day or so

Hopefully you'd have enough capacity in the batteries for several days to a week without wind and then enough power from the turbine to recharge and keep it topped up.

The main problem with any renewable energy source is making sure that you can store enough for when it's not being generated (ie wind not blowing or sun not shining) and having a big enough source (turbine or solar panel) to put it back as quickly as possible.

 

[xtrailman]

I have three questions.

1/ What about the days when the wind has died?

2/ What about the noise from the turbine?

3/ When will the turbine pay for its self, consider initial purchase, maintenance, repairs.?