A wind turbine is a rotating machine which converts the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy.
Small wind turbines may be as small as a fifty-watt generator for boat or caravan use. Small units often have direct drive generators, direct current output, aeroelastic blades, lifetime bearings and use a vane to point into the wind. Larger, more costly turbines generally have geared power trains, alternating current output, flaps and are actively pointed into the wind.
Why you should consider using wind turbines on your boat
Small wind electric systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems. These systems are also nonpolluting.
If a small wind electric system is right for you, it can do the following:
- Lower your electricity bills by 50%–90%
- Help you avoid the high costs of having utility power lines extended to a remote location
- Help uninterruptible power supplies ride through extended utility outages.
Small wind electric systems can also be used for a variety of other applications, including water pumping on farms and ranches.
