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 sufficient as possible. Moving to a full time RV/Boondocking lifestyle.I've done a lot of research into solar, and believe I have a solid plan. From what I understand, it's always better to plan for more than what you think you'll use when it comes to power/water. So I wanted to look into supplementing a semi-standard "rooftop solar setup." Portable solar panels are an easy option, and a diesel generator is almost a must (from what I understand).I wanted to ask if anyone has experience with a portable wind turbine as a supplement to solar. I totally understand that, similar to solar, it's dependant on the available wind in the area....I also had a kinda crazy idea, that I wanted to share, and see if it's valid.Doing some research on turbines. Their running speed is generally between 12 and 30 mph, with a rated speed of 100 - 120 mpg (usually shutting off around 50 - 60 mpg).I wanted to see if you could add an inline speed reducer gearbox, between the blades of the turbine, and the generator itself. So that its running speed can be increased to between 50 - 70 mph. Thus enabling you to mount a horizontal shaft turbine through the roof, to generate power while driving at freeway speeds.There are quite a few horizontal shaft rotors that are fairly low profile, and be great for this kind of application. I'm just not certain it would work as I'm intending.(I understand a lot of concepts well, but don't have the practical knowledge. Some DIY House Repair as well as metal/wood fabrication experience.)

Welcome to the forum. It does sound like an interesting idea. But...I'm not an expert on the subject but, I think if this was a practical application RV's/electric vehicles would have the system installed.Possibly the small amount of electricity generated would be displaced by the extra fuel used from the drag of the system while driving?And it seems like a fairly complicated system with the addition of a gear reduction system.

ToastHater wrote:I wanted to ask if anyone has experience with a portable wind turbine as a supplement to solar. I totally understand that, similar to solar, it's dependant on the available wind in the area.Look to the sailing crowd ! My analysis is, that it is not worth the effort/money.It is difficult to get the sustained air flow for it to be practical.

While moving most high powered items are not used so guess you’re trying to charge your batteries. Spend the $$ on adding a second alternator to the engine or easiest way, diesel for your generator.

I would second having a second alternator to charge the battery bank while driving. I would guess in most situations, you are not charging them from fully dead, but rather just topping off since you have solar and the generator to help when you are set up. Way less involved and complex.

Go with conventional, tried and true equipment. You will spend a pile of money on an idea that is just an idea.

Portable Wind Turbine as a power supplement? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

Sjm9911
Explorer
Sep 18, 2020
You are overthinking it. Get a better solar set up and a generator if you need that much power, the added weight wiring etc of a turbine is probably not going to add anything of value to your set up.
schlep1967
Nomad
Sep 18, 2020
Maybe I'm missing something, if the solar panels are permanently mounted on the roof why would they not charge the batteries while going down the road? Assuming you are not driving at night.
ToastHater
Explorer
Sep 18, 2020
A second alternator makes a ton more sense as an easy solution.

That's kind of a bummer about a stationary portable turbine.

Ah, I see there was a bit of confusion with the idea, that's my bad. I was thinking about the low profile turbines that rotate horizontally (so that's would be a vertical shaft). Adding a maximum of 12 - 18 inches to the roof, instead of 4 feet.

Basically, I was just trying to be able to generate consistent power, consistently. Recharging the batteries while I'm on the road. Most of the smaller turbines I was looking at, were the equivalent of four of more standard 100W solar panels. While taking up a ton less roof-top real estate.
valhalla360
Navigator
Sep 18, 2020
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.
Horsedoc
Explorer II
Sep 18, 2020
Go with conventional, tried and true equipment. You will spend a pile of money on an idea that is just an idea.
p220sigman
Explorer
Sep 18, 2020
I would second having a second alternator to charge the battery bank while driving. I would guess in most situations, you are not charging them from fully dead, but rather just topping off since you have solar and the generator to help when you are set up. Way less involved and complex.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Sep 18, 2020
While moving most high powered items are not used so guess you’re trying to charge your batteries. Spend the $$ on adding a second alternator to the engine or easiest way, diesel for your generator.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Sep 18, 2020
ToastHater wrote:
I wanted to ask if anyone has experience with a portable wind turbine as a supplement to solar. I totally understand that, similar to solar, it's dependant on the available wind in the area.

Look to the sailing crowd ! My analysis is, that it is not worth the effort/money.

It is difficult to get the sustained air flow for it to be practical.
gbopp
Explorer
Sep 18, 2020
Welcome to the forum. It does sound like an interesting idea. But...

I'm not an expert on the subject but, I think if this was a practical application RV's/electric vehicles would have the system installed.
Possibly the small amount of electricity generated would be displaced by the extra fuel used from the drag of the system while driving?

And it seems like a fairly complicated system with the addition of a gear reduction system.

Forum Discussion

Portable Wind Turbine as a power supplement?

29 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Portable Wind Turbine as a power supplement?

Portable Wind Turbine as a power supplement?

Interesting portable wind turbine -- looks like a barrel!

Supplemental AC

Aero Turbine muffler?