Typical device power consumption aboard a yacht Photo: Delatbabel. Estimate charging capacity per system Photo: Delatbabel. An example of a typical alternator Photo: Delatbabel.
The very popular Honda petrol genset Photo: Delatbabel. Diesel and inverter genset with its cover removed Photo: With thanks to WhisperPower. Rutland i wind generator Photo: Michael Harpur. If you have a high energy requirement on board, you can change the original model to install a larger alternator. An offshore wind turbine converts the apparent wind into electricity by means of an alternator. It can be installed on a mast or gantry but can take up space on small boats.
Depending on the number of blades, it will take at least 6 knots of wind for the propeller to start turning. On average, a wind turbine can produce between 60 and watts of energy. Solar panels convert solar energy into electricity thanks to the photovoltaic cells that cover them. Most skippers in the survey in every size band had changed or added to their battery capacity since buying their boat, and in preparation for the Atlantic crossing though, as below, in some cases it was felt not by enough.
The design life for marine batteries is five years, so it makes sense to set off with new batteries; this is easier and may be cheaper than replacing them later. A majority of people had added an extra house or domestic battery bank and one or two had boosted the battery used for their windlass.
But it is worth bearing in mind that additional battery capacity will only be effective if you have the right charging set-up. The total battery capacity that can be charged with an alternator, for example, is five times alternator rating. If using a diesel generator, the output can service a larger battery bank. A 24V system is more efficient than a 12V system, with only half its voltage loss so this is worth considering if buying a new boat for long-term cruising.
Most smaller yachts in the survey had an engine alternator as a primary power source, with additional alternative energy sources to top this up and, on occasions, supply all power needs. At 41ft and over, diesel generators were more commonly fitted, sometimes along with other sources such as wind and water turbines, and solar panels. Indeed, wind and water sources were popular in all size ranges except those above 56ft — the larger yachts tended towards shaft generators and solar panels for additional power.
Solar panels were a valuable source of power across all the ranges, right up to the largest yachts, but made the largest contribution on boats of between 36 and 45ft, where they contributed on average ah and ah respectively. There are several types of systems you can use including wind generators, solar panels, water generators, or a combination.
Some systems can keep your battery fully charged while your boat sits on the trailer, on a mooring or at the dock, or can be used during long journeys while you are underway. Before choosing which renewable energy system is best for your needs, you first need to establish:. A wind generator has the potential to produce power 24 hours a day whether sailing or at anchor. If there is a strong wind, or you are underway, they can usually put out more current than solar panels.
Wind generators, however, can be noisy, require regular maintenance and have the potential danger of rotating blades. Solar panels can be used on small and large boats effectively, but will only produce power when the sun shines.
The effective charging time is on average 5 to 7 hours per day, depending on where you operate your boat. They do, however, need space and special racks for mounting.
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