During the past year, I have recharged the four (4) GC2 batteries that power a Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 (Tiller model) using shore power at our slip. Next year I would like to eliminate the cost of the slip (~ $2500/year) and use just a mooring.
QUESTION:
How to size photovoltaic panels and/or wind turbine while still having space on the boat and be "safe" to leave the setup unattended during the week?
BOAT:
This year we used a Capri 22.
Next May we will use our Cape Dory 25 with the same batteries and motor while the Capri "takes a rest".
BATTERIES:
4 GC2 6 volt Energizer batteries from Sam's Club ($75 each)
1 12 volt deep discharge "house" battery separate from the motive batteries.
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS:
GC2 : SAM'S CLUB
Amp-Hour at the 20 hour rate: 225Ah
Minutes at 75 amps: 110 minutes
Minutes at 25 amps: 447 minutes
This is manufactured by Johnson Controls Mexico.
ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION:
I have been very pleased with the performance of the Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 and battery setup for our Capri. It is about the same as the 5 HP Nissan (2-cycle) for top end, but MUCH better for all other speeds especially docking.
The Cape Dory 25 is twice the mass and has a full keel with a motor well in the lazarette. If the Cruise 2.0 (24 volt) is lacking in power, I would change to the Cruise 4.0 (48 volt) sometime in the future.
We typically daysail on weekends and did participate in the Wednesday evening Beer Can races this summer. We also found ourselves motor sailing across Boston Harbor to join in several regattas (since we were running late for the start times).
Normal leaving the slip and returning consists of about 30 minutes total at 40 amp draw max. The voltage display starts at 26.2 vdc and drops to 25.4 vdc. On a few rare occasions when we motored at close to full speed for an hour total, the voltage would read 24.5 vdc and would rise to 25.1 after a few minutes of "resting" after reaching the slip.
Looking at the usage over this summer, we typically use only 20% of the capacity on daysails. We may use 30-40% when we rush to the starting line on Wednesdays especially if the start is at the far side. Motor sailing around the Boston Harbor Islands (with the tide, but no wind) we still used only about 50% of the capacity.
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So, I am looking into ways not to need shore power to recharge the batteries for this "typical" usage.
I would accept a "full charge" only 80% of the time rather than 100%. (I know I can use a generator but will ignore that option for this discussion.)
1) What size photovoltaic panel would allow the batteries to be recharged within 3 days from: 80%, 50%, 20% SOC? (Assume "realistic" sunlight, but ignore "rainy" days.)
2) What size wind turbine would allow the batteries to be recharged within 3 days from: 80%, 50%, 20% SOC? (Assume variable winds 5 to 15 knots.)
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Electric motoring is so nice - quiet, clean, instantly on. We also will "sail" more and have improved are skills.
Thank you.
John
John
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