Reverse Wind Generator

[seandepagnier]

Why not use an existing wind generator for propulsion? They can then charge batteries when windy, and push boat when calm. (Yes I know there are lots of technical details)

[Chief Engineer]

That's kinda like a towtruck trying to lift itself up.

Of course you could put a big rolls royce merlin engine on the bow to provide the lift over the wing (sail)

[cal40john]

I think you need a wind generator closer to this size





From:
Windmill Sailboat: Sailing Against the Wind : TreeHugger

John

[marc2012]

Someone once asked what the gen was told them that,they still not speaking to me.lol marc

[Ram]

thats funny, but ive had people ask is that whats that for

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by geckosenator

Why not use an existing wind generator for propulsion? They can then charge batteries when windy, and push boat when calm. (Yes I know there are lots of technical details)

Is this an early April Fool's question?

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by geckosenator

Why not use an existing wind generator for propulsion? They can then charge batteries when windy, and push boat when calm. (Yes I know there are lots of technical details)

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

Is this an early April Fool's question?

Nope, it is just some technical details yet to be solved

[highseas]

My idea of a reverse wind generator is, setting up 3 or 4 wind generators and large bank,to run small electric motor when its not windy.Somehow coupling with a belt to existing drive shaft so you still have diesel option.

[senormechanico]

What's everybody here been smoking? I want some.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Wotname

Nope, it is just some technical details yet to be solved

Hey, we can make this work! All we've got to do is repeal the law of the conservation of energy.

[seandepagnier]

wow

I am surprised so many people find this concept laughable.

To the people who think it is like a towtruck lifting itself or defies conservation of energy, you need to go learn physics you are wrong.

The fact is, boats with an air fan to power them do exist, and it is a working concept. I don't think you could go very fast, but that is ok, I don't like motorized boats that go more than 1-2 knots (might as well be sailing)

Many sailboats (mine included) already have a wind generator capable of about 1hp. This may not be a very efficient way to propel, but I have no other means of propulsion besides rowing, sculling or sailing. It would be a means of backup propulsion and would give great manuverability in tight areas since the wind generator can aim in any direction.

All it requires is bypassing the control circuitry (brushed alternators) to cause the generator to be powered from the battery. It might help to have a dc-dc converter so you can pump more amps in it, and have speed control.

[sailorboy1]

The engineer part of my has no doubt the technology is easy to do to make the generator become a motor, but really now do you really believe a couple of 1 HP motors with plastic blades is going move your boat? By the time you scale it up in batteries and motor power....well just get a motor. Ivf you are going to put enough batteries on your boat to reverse power just get an electric tolling motor or something.

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by Bash

Hey, we can make this work! All we've got to do is repeal the law of the conservation of energy.

I do understand the point of the comment, however, that law would suggest that if we had spent so many units of effort and time to charge the batteries, then we could extract less than that many units to reverse the process. So, with no real calcs, but just in directional, generic terms: charge the batteries to full over 12 hours, and then run the drive fan for only 3 hrs before the batteries are drained.

One other thing: I am pretty sure that the Law of Conservation of Energy was passed under a previous administration, and may now be subject to congressional review and oversight, so it's hard to know what to predict for the future.

Jim

[Chief Engineer]

Belongs on the Joke Thread

Originally Posted by Jim D

One other thing: I am pretty sure that the Law of Conservation of Energy was passed under a previous administration, and may now be subject to congressional review and oversight, so it's hard to know what to predict for the future.

Jim

hopeychangey

[slomotion]

I always thought the term "wind generator" was kind of odd. I mean it sort of suggests a device that produces wind - so maybe you're on to something. OTOH, I tried reversing my diesel generator and it didn't produce any diesel at all.

Hmmm ...... time for another beer.