Windmill atop RV
Just out of curiosity has anyone tried the idea of several windmills on top of the RV to generate power to recharge batteries as you are driving? They could be raised and lowered as the situation cal...
Forum Discussion
Heish wrote:
Just out of curiosity has anyone tried the idea of several windmills on top of the RV to generate power to recharge batteries as you are driving? They could be raised and lowered as the situation called for. Or does the generator recharge house batteries while driving? If so does it charge them enough or would the extra from wind power help? As you can tell I know nothing about this - so simple answer with simple words is imperative.
Where did you get this crazy idea? :)
Noise and difficulties of attaching it properly are the first things that cross my mind. Besides, wind turbine, working or not, will increase the wind resistance because you are messing with the air flow by placing those blades in the way. Also, - most of us don't drive that long, unless going to a far-away long-term camp and then we stay there for long time, so there is no "highway wind". And you DON'T want this thing working and making noise on top of you when you are on the camp.
No, "generator" - which in a motor vehicle is called an "alternator" - won't charge even the vehicle battery well enough, not to mention the house battery. You might try and get a better alternator if you think your starter battery needs it. Or you can do what many people do - buy a $50 charger and charge the starter battery off 120V couple times a year.
The house battery you charge at home before going out and then either run a gas generator or a solar panel, if you camp longer than a day or two and there are no hookups. Solar is silent and easier to install than wind turbines. It won't, however, recharge the depleted house battery same well as a generator - for most people - because most people have solar too small and/or energy needs too high, so they have to run a generator.
