wind gen or more bats?

[SimonV]

We are getting ready for the next big trip planning on being away for 2-3 or more years. My power storage at the moment is 400 Ah in the bats, production is by 2x 130W solar, 130 Ah eng alternator and a Hamilton Ferris Tow generator.
I was thinking about adding a wind Gen but the return for $'s spent does not seem to add up. when under way I have full bats thanks to the tow gen @ 1Ah per Knot over 4Kn, so that is not an issue. sunny days at anchor the solar keeps up but the bats don’t go into float so I see 80-90% in the afternoon but by next morning I am down to 65-70%.
I have thought about adding another 200Ah bat giving a total of 600Amps, I have the space for more??
__________________

[Omatako]

The way I see it is that you have to replace what you use so no matter how big your bank is, you have the same problem. The bigger the bank the longer you can deplete it but the longer it takes to recharge. What comes out has to go back in. If you can run between 50% and 90% of capacity through a 24 hour cycle, that's not a bad situation. On a 14 sunlight hour day you're probably getting from your solars, better than 250Ah back in a 24 hour cycle (can that be right? sounds too good to be true!)

If your tow generator does it for you while you're sailing the the wind gen will not be a great help because when you're on anchor, by design you will choose the quietest spot and the wind gen will be of little value.

But having said that . . . . the tow gen is probably taking a little out of your boat speed (maybe a half a knot?) and a wind gen won't. So if you don't mind spending a little longer at sea on a voyage then that also doesn't matter. But remember, on a three week voyage the difference in boat speed noted above means an extra 2 days at sea.

I would personally rather run a wind gen than a tow gen. My choice is the Rutland 913 simply because it is really quiet. Yes I know there are wind gens that are reputed to be able to power a small town but they come standard with ear muffs!!

[killarney_sailor]

I have two solar panels, a big alternator, genset (rarely ever used for battery charging alone), and a wind generator to go with about 800 ah of house batteries for extended cruising. Of these, the least useful is the wind generator by far. Having more battery capacity means that you are better able to handle cloudy days. If I was cruising in a less sunny area (eg Britain or Canadian Maritimes, the wind generator might make more sense.

[Freesail99]

I would try and add another solar panel and maybe another battery. The sound of a wind generator, even the quite ones would drive me nuts.

Where is the next trip to?

[KeelHaulin]

Simon-

Have you been moored for all of the time you are onboard Goodonya? If you are not at a slip it's possible that your batts need an equalizing cycle to get rid of the suflates on the surface of the charge plates. Also; if the batteries are the same you bought the boat with it could be time for new ones (if they were used by the Davids for their cruising). Batteries have a lifetime in the sense that many discharge/recharge cycles will reduce their capacity and ability to take charge. If you are not dockside you might want to spend a couple of days at a guest slip and see if by running an equalize cycle on your charger will bring them up to 100% and if they will recharge better on daily cycle.

30-35% discharge is not bad. Try turning down (or off) the fridge at night and then back on during the day; it might help keep the batts at a higher overall float level.

[sailingdog]

I'd point out that increasing the battery bank size will help in some ways, as the peukert factor will make them more efficient as the bank size increases relative to the load size.

Adding another solar panel might be a good idea too.

[donradclife]

Having had wind and water generators and solar panels for 15 years, I would spend the money on another solar panel. Not only are they quieter than the wind generators, the solar panels don't require any maintainence.

[remetau]

I like our Kiss wind turbine. I think it makes a great option for generating power when the sun isn't shining and/or at night. I find our Kiss is more than quite enough for me.

[Bene505]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I'd point out that increasing the battery bank size will help in some ways, as the peukert factor will make them more efficient as the bank size increases relative to the load size.

Adding another solar panel might be a good idea too.

SD brought up another factor in converting to LEDs instead of getting more generation capability. The smaller drain from LEDs actually let's you get more out of your battery bank.

It's like a hidden other reason.

Regards,
Brad

[KeelHaulin]

Simon's boat is already equipped with LED cabin lights....