Wind Generators... Looking at Air-X

[davidbrooke2003]

They are the worst noise machines ever. Dont get one and if you do dont be in my harbor.

I have had wind and solar cruising over the last year and the panal beats the windgen 10:1.

In clouds a Horizantal 8.1 A panel kicks out. 3-4 A. In the sun it is 6-7A. My 6 blade, forgot the brand name, windgen is doing 1-.1.5A on the average day. At sea or in harbor. The only time it even comes close to the panel is on 25kt days. $ for $ solar is a better, more consistant charging method. The facts are simple. Most of the time the sun is shineing. Most of the time the wind is less than 15kts.

[Mkfcdl]

For what my .02 is worth, and I think I've posted this before--I'd look at the Aero6gen by LVM (a British firm). I don't deny it's slightly below the top power producers at a given windspeed; however, it's extremely quiet and vibration free right out of the box. You don't even know it's there until the wind pipes up to 20 knots or more and then you hear only a slight hum. It's "storm-rated" and I've had it operational (not on purpose) during a tornado near-miss with winds of 80+ knots and it never missed a beat while my bimini and dodger were being shredded (at the dock). The Aero6gen was busy trying to find wind direction while putting out 36 amps (I have dump resistors X 2). Afterwards, I could find no damage to the generator or mounting and I've since left it operational always.

Contrast that to a few of my neighbors way across the marina--their generators make all kinds of noise in the same 15-20 knots (I don't think I need to mention the brand, do I?).

It's all a matter of compromise, of course, but I'm very sold on the LVM model and recommend anyone to take a look.

Regards,
Mark

[ebs001]

I have had nothing but trouble with my air x. I asked about it at a boat show and was told that my problems are not unusual and was told that the best solution would be to buy another brand. They ar noisey compared to some wind generators and quieter than others. The main probem that I have with mine is that because of the internal voltage regulator, the generator does not always produce power and it has to be turned off then turned on to start it generating. Because I never know when this is going to happen it makes it very inconvenient. I would recommend in no uncertain terms that you look at another brand of wind generator Air X is junk.

[sailortjk1]

Look at Rutland.

They are very quiet.
I agree with the other's. We are moored in proximity to a boat with the Air-X model and I can hear his above my Rutland and he is 100' away!

[John_colpitts]

Good comparison of output vs windspeed here: (NOTE! This is from the Four-Winds web site, they sell Red Baron/Four Winds)
http://www.fourwinds-ii.com/learning...indgencomp.htm

[camaraderie]

David..with due respect...there is no way that solar panels outperform a GOOD wind generator. We had 160w kyocera panels and while peak output was impressive...clouds, shade, sun angle and of course night all combine to make counting on more than about 40 amps a day a dream...this in the Bahamas and Carib. On the other hand...at anchor with the wind blowing for 24 hours a day...even a 2 amp wind gen output exceeds this. As you can see from John's link above, both the 4 winds (which we had) and the KISS both double this in 10 KNOTS of wind. As a practical matter...I was able to count on at least 100Amps a day from my 4winds. I think you just have the wrong generator which is affecting how you feel about the category as a whole.

[infonote]

This site/blog describes the advantages/disadvantages pretty well.

Here is an extract:

Nearer the equator there's not a lot of wind, so solar panels work better. But it should be considered an auxiliary source of power if you're running lots of electrical stuff

http://www.sailblogs.com/member/melon/?xjMsgID=13141

[sailingdog]

How many of Infonote's posts are promoting/spamming for his blog... Pretty pathetic...