A Wind Generator Review

[unbusted67]

Not that I can afford one but I am interested in hearing from various people about their wind generators. What is considered to be the industry standard? Is that the Air-x? I am basically looking for something middle of the road. What are the advantages of having an internal regulator vs. MPPT? What about mounting one of these yourself vs buying one of the kits?

[rebel heart]

Had an airx that I got so pissed off at I threw it in the water.

[Target9000]

MPPT is a regulator built for solar panels. You can use some MPPT controllers in conjunction with wind gens but generally you wouldn't want to. Use one of the ones with an internal regulator or get one specifically for the wind gen.

The Air-X sucks. There was one on our boat and when it would spin it sounded like a 100' helicopter with jet engines sucking in shrieking birds. Its so loud that I'd be embarrassed to go anywhere with it turning. I've heard they make better blades you can mount on them now, but honestly, I'm pitching the thing off the boat and installing something else soon. Probably a D400 even though they come at a high cost.

[OceansFive]

Two years ago I installed a Rutland 913 figuring that getting less charging most of the time was better than lots of power only when the wind really blows.

The charger worked well at first but packed up after being in 60 mph + winds (NOt hurricane). Then I found the regulator supplied with the generator was the problem and replaced it. Then another storm and now nothing.

You know there's a problem with the supplied regulator when the openings for the feed wires are too small to take the size of wire required for even a short distance.

Getting the generator out of the bracket up the mizzen mast is proving problematical.

Overall, I've been somewhat disappointed and would not be my choice again.

read more about "Kuan Yin" here

[prof_mariner]

I'm rather surprised to hear you fellows weren't happy with the Air-X. I've never had one myself, but I've known a couple others who had them and seemed happy with them. One in particular sailed the Carib, through the canal, and then up to Hawaii and swore by it. Yeah, the thing was noisy, but isn't that the norm for small wind turbines?

[Ram]

KISS I beleave is the best there is- ive been using one now 6 years in thr Greek Islands and it supplys ALL my ele needs as long as we have some wind- so far no issues - quite power- 10 knots of wind= 10 amps/hour each additional knot of wind gives you 1 more amp per hour-

[Jim Cate]

Well, our Air-X is a bit over six years aboard now. Still working as when new, but has required one new set of blades (errant main halyard) and a new set of bearings (less than 10 bucks each at the local bearing supply store). Noisy?? Yes, I can hear it as it works away as I type, but to describe it as unbearable as often is done seems a bit hysterical. The earlier 403 models were noisy, relying on blade flutter to curb excess speed, but the Air-X which uses electrical braking to limit speed is much less obtrusive. Isn't silent, but not so bad as its detractors keep saying. There is one CF poster who has a pathological hatred for the Air-X, but extremism does no one any good and some objective observation will allow one to develop their own criteria.

A look around any distant cruising destination will show the Air-X to be by far the most popular wind genny. I think that this shows value for dollar more than ultimate performance, but it is surely a viable option for the budget constrained cruiser.

As always, YMMV...

Cheers,

Jim

[pwhitburn]

I have had an Air X for 7 years and have been happy although the noise has increased over the last couple of years. I have just replaced the bearings and blades and can't believe how much better it is. The blades are just the standard replacement units and the new silent wind blades may be better but I am very happy with the result. It goes without saying that the Air X is only one part of my power generation. I don't have experience with other brands but thumbs up for Air X

[OceansFive]

Well, i must sy the rutland 913 was VERY quiet. It only started to make noise if the winds became force 7.

One reason I didn't go for the AirX was its reputation for noise.

[Blue Stocking]

I have an un-used Rutland 911 24v that was given to me. Friend wants it for a 12v system.
Whats a good simple controller that will do the conversion. Boat will probably have about 600ah bank.

[moggie]

Would you folks with noisy wind-gens PLEASE not anchor next to us quiet solar yachts!

[moggie]

P.S. and those of you who have to run your engine for an hour in morning to cool your fridges, please park a long way away, Thanks

[Ram]

Originally Posted by moggie

Would you folks with noisy wind-gens PLEASE not anchor next to us quiet solar yachts!

~Come on now- isn’t that a part of the fun-?

[Highland Fling]

Originally Posted by Target9000

MPPT is a regulator built for solar panels. You can use some MPPT controllers in conjunction with wind gens but generally you wouldn't want to. Use one of the ones with an internal regulator or get one specifically for the wind gen.

yes and no - the Rutland 914I has an onboard MPPT Controller for improved performance 30% better output than a 913 if you believe the manufactures blurb we have a 913 and it is quiet but not powerful spins in the lightest of breeze but takes 10/12 knots to get output over 12V. Lusting after a D400 BUT its HEAVY and VERY EXPENSIVE but seems to be the best one out there ATM

[Sailmonkey]

Forget about the Air-X it's still noisy....not like the 403 though. We have an Air Breeze, it looks just like an X but with a smaller alternator and different blades, much quieter. However, the only reason we have it is a killer deal on Ebay. If I was paying full retail I'd have gone for a kiss or d400.