Alternative to solar power

[ssobol]

Here is an interesting potential alternative to solar power for our boats. You'd probably have to set it up and take it down, unlike a solar panel. But for about the same amount of money as a 100w solar system you get a 300w system that works at night as well as the day. (Although a 10m/s wind works out to around 22mph.) It's not really clear how big it is (different pics seem to imply different sizes), but if you can print it yourself it can't be that big and you can adjust the size to meet your own requirements. I could see using one to top up the batteries when anchored out somewhere.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3034607/fund ... e-a-laptop

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/43 ... faq_102695

 

[jkidd]

I don't know about you but I'm usually praying pretty hard for no wind when I'm boating.

 

[potter water]

Good thought for amateur radio emergency operations on VHF on land or on boats. However, there are lots of cheap wind generators that are on the market, many designed for sail boats. Expensive, but put out a lot of power and when sailing, there is lots of wind.

They are going through some pretty fancy engineering to keep weight down and power up for hikers. A cheaper, brute force wind generator would be fine for our Dory's if that is what a person really wants to do.

But, good luck to them. I love this whole kick start thing and the very young people who are into it. Much better use of their time and brains than trying to get MJ legalized.

 

[BrentB]

Have you looked at fuel cells?

 

[SEA3PO]

In Viet Nam, under every bridge was a load of automotive alternators attached to a shaft with a propeller on the end.... as the water passed under the bridge it turned the propeller and the alternator....providing lots of 12 volt power to light up the village.... neat and free.

I think it would be easy to build your own wind or water alternator...(when you are anchored in the flow)....I have seen plenty of kits on EBAY

Joel
SEA3PO