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Peter Williams
New Member
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
 Posted - 30/08/2007 : 20:17:06
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I work as a window cleaner (ladderless and all that) and run the 2 12v pumps I use off 2 85a/h leisure batteries. I'm told I could charge these by using a split relay (whatever that is) but was wondering since the air flow around my vehicle is high would it be possible (via a roof rack or forcing air in and then out of the van) to charge my batteries on the move with a savonius type wind generator. I don't usually go above 60mph.
Is this possible or am I a sandwich short of a picnic?
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BushWhacker
Junior Member
Canada
332 Posts |
Posted - 30/08/2007 : 22:00:03
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Hi Peter,
Rather than going to all of that trouble why don't you just run some wires from your vans battery to a convenient spot near your pump battery storage area in your van. There is a wee bit more to it than that, but far less than building a wind turbine and setting up the equipment to charge while on the road.
Ruining the aerodynamics of your van (what little aerodynamics vans do have) by mounting a turbine on the roof for example would be a net loss of energy as the best efforts of a savonius turbine net about 30% of the available energy. Your van's engine would be supplying all of that available energy.
I imagine it is possible, but figuring out all of the variables would give most people a migraine headache. For starters how long would you be driving at speed (not counting time in red lights or traffic jams) on average? What is your average speed? Then you have to size the turbine and select the correct gen unit to meet that application.
I wish I had something more encouraging to say but the energy losses that you would incur (this would show up at the petrol station) would out strip the extra wear on your alternator by far.
Cheers!
BW
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler. - Albert Einstein |
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gotwind
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
961 Posts |
Posted - 30/08/2007 : 22:22:39
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No one's daft Peter on this frum - maybe me for my spelling mistakes...
As BushWhacker suggests - Let the vans alternator provide the power.
Wind power is nice but you have to be realistic, particularly if your job depends upon it.
I am sure the guy's here can advise further on 'split relays'
Ben.
The Futures Green - Getwind of it. |
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nick76
Starting Member
United Kingdom
7 Posts |
Posted - 31/08/2007 : 09:42:22
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Hi Peter,
I agree with Bushwacker & Ben, the alternator should be you best source of power. Try dropping in to your local tow bar fitting place and having a chat with them. Most caravans use the cars alternator to charge the caravan battery en route, and I understand that the wiring is not too difficult. If you van is new enough it may already be there, in which case you might just be able to plug straight in.
Good luck
nick |
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ll81
Junior Member
124 Posts |
Posted - 31/08/2007 : 16:14:17
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The split relay idea is a relay that only connects the rear battery to the charging system whilst the vehicle is running. This prevents the main battery from becoming discharged if a drain is put on the ancillary battery.
woo-hoo |
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BushWhacker
Junior Member
Canada
332 Posts |
Posted - 31/08/2007 : 16:28:29
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ll81 Thanks for the explanation. In Canada we call that a "battery isolator".
Cheers!
BW
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler. - Albert Einstein |
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Peter Williams
New Member
United Kingdom
54 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2007 : 12:12:09
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Thanks for your replies.
This is the website that got me thinking about this in the first place. Its a guy near to us in one of the local villages. A bit wacky but worth a look!
http://www.solarvan.co.uk/ |
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Is this possible? or am I just daft?
