Alternative Energy Solutions

How much KWH from a wind turbine generator to fully charge two 12V 80AH?

Hi guys,

Hey Yves, Irv has some good numbers there, but I have to ask, are you just going to use the wind turbine to charge the batteries? Then will you disconnect them and use them someplace else, after which you will charge them up again? In that case your turbine will have to be shut down when the batteries are disconnected. If you are alternating them, using one while the other charges, then figure on half of Irv’s figures. If it were me I’d use 12 volts, and when both batteries are connected, just wire them in parallel, then you have the option of charging one or both. With a small turbine, something that peaks at 6 or 8 amps, you could charge both at the same time, it would just take longer.

If you are planning on running loads while the batteries are connected, and charging them up at the same time, then you need to figure what the total daily load will be, and construct a turbine that can at least meet those demands. Then you’ll need a charge controller so if your loads are not in use and it happens to be windy, your turbine won’t overcharge the batteries. A turbine is not like a solar panel, the energy it developes must be going someplace all the time, or the rotor will overspeed. It would be like stepping on the gas peddle in your car while it is in nuetral. Most home made turbines use a dump load controller, which just turns on a large load, like an electric heater, or bank of light bulbs when the battery voltage creeps above a predetermined voltage, like maybe 14.5 volts for a 12 volt system, then turns the load back off below 14 volts. Then the turbine just runs and charges the batteries at will.

If you really plan on tackling this thing yourself, you might need to get a bit closer to how these things work. I will list some sources below, but I would really consider getting a subscription to Home Power Magazine. We did 12 years ago, now our home is completely powered by the wind and sun. But my short answer is go with 12 volts, no more than 10 amps, and consider a dump load controller, they don’t cost very much. You can make your own with a 12 volt relay, some silicone diodes and some light bulbs for about $20 in parts. If you have not found a suitable generator for this project yet, consider an electric scooter motor, a 24 volt model, maybe 100 watts in size, website below. Good luck, and take care, Rudydoo

Preston Stroud – Wind Turbine 11 blade 800 watt from Missouri Wind and Solar with charge controller

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