| Power generation on ocean going yachts has always | | | | an engine driven system is very efficient but has |
| been a problem unless you have pots of money | | | | various disadvantages. Heat generated by running |
| which rather defeats the laid back concept of ocean | | | | even a small engine can make life uncomfortable in |
| cruising. The swing to electronic gadgets over the | | | | the tropics, engine noise is irritating and burning diesel |
| years has created huge problems keeping the | | | | at today's prices is not economical. |
| batteries topped up so that all the systems can | | | | The alternative is a 12v electrical system which is |
| operate efficiently. | | | | silent, uses new technology to improve efficiency and |
| Solar panels can provide a solution but require a large | | | | is environmentally friendly provided sufficient power |
| area if they are to provide sufficient power for a | | | | can be stored in the batteries. |
| modern yacht. Assuming you were running a 12v | | | | The solution to the problem is a hybrid system of |
| refrigerator drawing 4amps when running and cycling | | | | solar panels and a wind turbine providing power to |
| on for 20mins every hour you would need 32 amp | | | | run a 12v refrigeration system and the normal, lights |
| hours in a 24 hour period. This would consume all the | | | | pumps and other equipment. |
| power generated by an 80watt solar panel in an | | | | The problem is finding the space to fit at least 2 x |
| 8hour day in ideal conditions. | | | | 80watt solar panels and a wind turbine in between all |
| Another alternative is to use a wind turbine which | | | | the rigging, awnings and associated gear on a cruising |
| could provide 200w = 16 amps under ideal conditions. | | | | yacht. |
| The problem is, conditions are seldom ideal and the | | | | Finally a completely new concept that has some |
| net result is an average of about 5 amps provided | | | | promise is a magnetic motor that uses the attract |
| the wind is constant and you have sufficient battery | | | | repel characteristic of magnets to generate DC |
| capacity to store the power. | | | | power. Not yet commercially available but certainly |
| One of the biggest consumers of power is the | | | | buildable by anyone with tinkering skills. |
| refrigeration system. In terms of speed of pulldown | | | | |