wind generator

[mongrel]

I've got a small 400 watt wind turbine installed on my workshop, its a 12v system and it maintains a couple of deep cycle batteries, it could handle four and I'm saving up for them!

From the batteries I charge a couple of rechargeable lamps, a battery charger for general batteries as well as my laptop and a caravan DVD player..

In the house I have wired in a couple of small 12volt spot lights either side of the wood burner in the living room, known as the free lights!


Question is, given how little power 400watts really is, can you think of any more I could be usefully using it for?

[nickdutch]

I've got a small 400 watt wind turbine installed on my workshop, its a 12v system and it maintains a couple of deep cycle batteries, it could handle four and I'm saving up for them!

From the batteries I charge a couple of rechargeable lamps, a battery charger for general batteries as well as my laptop and a caravan DVD player..

In the house I have wired in a couple of small 12volt spot lights either side of the wood burner in the living room, known as the free lights!


Question is, given how little power 400watts really is, can you think of any more I could be usefully using it for?

Lighting is your main concern. You seem to have heat covered and if you have heat covered you have hot water covered.

Think about microwave ovens (powered through an inverter), small power kitchen appliances. Charging of smart phone for internet access (preferably a PAYG if you can get one) plus some kind of radio, second hand CB or ham radio.

[chillihound]

if the power grid goes down there will be no running water. its more of a luxury really but you may consider installing an electric water pump and filtration system to use rain water for showers etc. like i said its not really a necessity and is a fair bit of work. I'm currently building a similar system but lighting is my main priority. as all the heating in my house is run on gas, im exploring other means of heating. maybe a small econemy storage heater perhaps.

[sniperben]

Hi Mongrel

What type/brand/make/model of turbine do you have? and how large is it? i am looking at fixed and ones that could be set up on a mobile 4x4 bug out vehicle.

cheers pal