Portable Wind Turbine as a power supplement?
First post here, so I apologize if this is the wrong area. I'm doing research and planning out a custom RV (cargo van/step van/box truck conversion...undecided), and looking to be as green and self...
Forum Discussion
Wind generators are slowly dying off on boats because they are noisy and break down. The one on our boat broke and we never bothered repairing it for the 10yrs we were cruising.
A generator is not necessary...unless you expect to run long term heavy loads (most typically air/con).
If you are driving, your alternator will be charging the battery bank. If the standard isn't enough, you can upgrade to a high output alternator.
Running a wind generator while going down the freeway has a couple issues:
- If the top of your truck is 11ft tall and you put a 3ft diameter unit mounted 1ft above the roof...that's 15ft height. Maximum vehicle height is 13.5ft without getting oversize permits and there are plenty of bridges lower than 15ft.
- Bigger issue: You will burn more fuel to drag a windmill along at 60mph. Unless you figure out perpetual motion, you will burn far more fuel than you generate electricity.
Solar/Wind are for when you are stationary. If you are running the engine, the alternator makes far more sense.
A generator is not necessary...unless you expect to run long term heavy loads (most typically air/con).
If you are driving, your alternator will be charging the battery bank. If the standard isn't enough, you can upgrade to a high output alternator.
Running a wind generator while going down the freeway has a couple issues:
- If the top of your truck is 11ft tall and you put a 3ft diameter unit mounted 1ft above the roof...that's 15ft height. Maximum vehicle height is 13.5ft without getting oversize permits and there are plenty of bridges lower than 15ft.
- Bigger issue: You will burn more fuel to drag a windmill along at 60mph. Unless you figure out perpetual motion, you will burn far more fuel than you generate electricity.
Solar/Wind are for when you are stationary. If you are running the engine, the alternator makes far more sense.
