Wind Turbine

[closeanuf]

I really like the idea of the spiral turbine.  I've seen a few large ones in use out in the country and what I like is the idea of not having blades like a propeller.  Seems like you could charge your batteries while driving.  Like everything else I imagine there is a learning curve.

 

[highdesertranger]

well it's one thing to set up at camp but to run it on the road is a bad idea IMO. for one thing it will take more power to overcome the drag then you get from the turbine. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

Along with the wind drag, the turbine would probably get damaged or ripped off during the strong buffeting around large trucks and in heavy crosswinds. Plus driving into a strong headwind at highway speeds could produce winds of 100 mph against the turbine....wow...

 

[UptownSport]

LoL, that'd be a sight!

I'm going to junkyard and get a hub tomorrow, a nice worn one so resistance is lower, then Menards for some sewer pipe to cut up.

I'd go today BUT IT WAS TOO WINDY!!!

 

[Gideon33w]

Don't have any experience with wind power but have read and told it can be a mechanical nightmare.

Once upon a time when I was setting up my old off-grid ranch this was one of the big reasons I didn't go with a wind turbine.
There's just a lot more to fail when you have moving parts. Especially here in the desert with abrasive dust in the air.

 

[UptownSport]

Didn't consider the sand, good point.

A relative has to change out turbines in the huge fields here- So even the big ones fail.

But, I'm thinking closer to MoTruk- Inexpensive and something to maintain the little 12v fridge in cloud/shade/rain

Still need help on which motor to use- cheap, and a few amps just to do something. They had a small 110v volt DC for stationary bicycle chargers, but controller is a 100v. Little resistor?
Thinking 12v motors wouldn't have high enough voltage.

 

[Motrukdriver]

That outfit sent other recommendations for wind turbines.   Here is what they sent:

No prices or data yet.

 

[blars]

After looking at this thread, I searched aliexpress for "wind generator". I found the 300 watt ball style are $300-$500 shipped, not much cheaper or smaller for 100 or 200 watt. You will need to buy a controller as well. There are also a variety of the other vertical style, and horizontal as well. Aliexpress and alibaba are the same marketing company, the express is more retail and baba is a wholesale.

 

[Neal]

After looking at this thread, I searched aliexpress for "wind generator".  I found the 300 watt ball style are $300-$500 shipped, not much cheaper or smaller for 100 or 200 watt.  You will need to buy a controller as well.  There are also a variety of the other vertical style, and horizontal as well.  Aliexpress and alibaba are the same marketing company, the express is more retail and baba is a wholesale.

I saw a video that Bob did a few months back on the wind generator.