Since we started living aboard we been struggling with power
issues. Initially we had problems with the batteries, which all had to be
replaced. In total there were six deep cycle batteries that gave us, or should
give, 115amp each, two are for the starter bank and the remaining four for
everything else. Unfortunately, from the beginning, and even after changing all
batteries purchased (still under warranty), were never able to keep enough
energy, always lingering near the 12 volts and, at the end of the night, even
below 12 volts, which is not good for the batteries.
In terms of production we have the alternator, a 115amp Powerline
equipped with regulator that generates enough for the batteries but forces the
engine to work. We do this once a day for one hour at the end of the day, making
use of it to use the watermaker. Even before we started our trip we tried to
minimize the dependence on the alternator installing a solar panel, we opted
for a large unit that offers 250Watts and, on sunny days, makes the batteries
completely full even with the fridge running. However, despite the solar panel,
we continued to have problems to generate power, especially on days without
sun.
There was, or rather, there is still a KISS wind generator
on board but that never worked. Needs to be completely rebuilt. Due to my
limitations in terms of electrical knowledge, we opted not to rebuild but to
purchase a new unit.
With the known budget constraints we started researching, trying
to keep in mind to buy something made in Portugal. With the secret hope that
the producer would decided to offer the unit in exchange of brand promotion and
as a way to support our efforts to promote the culture Portuguese.
Contacted was the producer of SilentWind brand, to our knowledge
the only marine wind generator made in Portugal, but the response we received
was with the offer of 20% discount on an invoice that surpassed one thousand
Euros. I politelly said thank you and refused due to lack of resources. Now I
can say that here in St Thomas we could have the same unit with a higherdiscount
than the one offered by the manufacturing house in Portugal in exchange of positive
comments to the product!
But after much searching and because we had to find
something that fitted our budget, we decided to purchase the unit Sunforce
400watts. This is not exactly a maritime version but seems to offer all the
necessary requirements to endure some time in this environment.
Was ordered through Amazon and in four days was on our boat
without any additional shipping charges. One day later was installed and
working. This is a unit with internal controller without passing through our
solar panel regulator, so the link goes directly to the bank of batteries used
for the electric equipment on board. The experience so far, seems to work well
and when the wind helps, actually charges the batteries, helping to keep the
load above 12 volts even on sunless days.
The installation, in our case, was fairly easy since we took
the opportunity to replace the KISS unit, which will now wait until some
benefactor decide to support us with the rebuilt. The electrical connections
were in place, the pole was already installed. Was only necessary to extend the
power cable from the engine compartment to the battery bank, taking advantage
of this link to install a 50amp switch to turn off the wind generator when it
is not necessary to make it work or for maintenance in the future.
In the future we will install one or two solar panels and
replace the batteries when needed, possibly will opt for lithium batteries. But
for now and until we reach Asia, we have to live with this system.
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Getting Wind Power to Work on s/v Dee
issues. Initially we had problems with the batteries, which all had to be
replaced. In total there were six deep cycle batteries that gave us, or should
give, 115amp each, two are for the starter bank and the remaining four for
everything else. Unfortunately, from the beginning, and even after changing all
batteries purchased (still under warranty), were never able to keep enough
energy, always lingering near the 12 volts and, at the end of the night, even
below 12 volts, which is not good for the batteries.
equipped with regulator that generates enough for the batteries but forces the
engine to work. We do this once a day for one hour at the end of the day, making
use of it to use the watermaker. Even before we started our trip we tried to
minimize the dependence on the alternator installing a solar panel, we opted
for a large unit that offers 250Watts and, on sunny days, makes the batteries
completely full even with the fridge running. However, despite the solar panel,
we continued to have problems to generate power, especially on days without
sun.
on board but that never worked. Needs to be completely rebuilt. Due to my
limitations in terms of electrical knowledge, we opted not to rebuild but to
purchase a new unit.
to keep in mind to buy something made in Portugal. With the secret hope that
the producer would decided to offer the unit in exchange of brand promotion and
as a way to support our efforts to promote the culture Portuguese.
the only marine wind generator made in Portugal, but the response we received
was with the offer of 20% discount on an invoice that surpassed one thousand
Euros. I politelly said thank you and refused due to lack of resources. Now I
can say that here in St Thomas we could have the same unit with a higherdiscount
than the one offered by the manufacturing house in Portugal in exchange of positive
comments to the product!
something that fitted our budget, we decided to purchase the unit Sunforce
400watts. This is not exactly a maritime version but seems to offer all the
necessary requirements to endure some time in this environment.
without any additional shipping charges. One day later was installed and
working. This is a unit with internal controller without passing through our
solar panel regulator, so the link goes directly to the bank of batteries used
for the electric equipment on board. The experience so far, seems to work well
and when the wind helps, actually charges the batteries, helping to keep the
load above 12 volts even on sunless days.
the opportunity to replace the KISS unit, which will now wait until some
benefactor decide to support us with the rebuilt. The electrical connections
were in place, the pole was already installed. Was only necessary to extend the
power cable from the engine compartment to the battery bank, taking advantage
of this link to install a 50amp switch to turn off the wind generator when it
is not necessary to make it work or for maintenance in the future.
replace the batteries when needed, possibly will opt for lithium batteries. But
for now and until we reach Asia, we have to live with this system.
Email This
BlogThis!
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