Hmmmm. That link proved my point perfectly. They stated that at 6kts, they could harvest 144Ah @ 12V in 24 hours. That's 2000Wh (allowing for charging voltage above 12V) divided by 24 hours works out to 84W of output from an "optimized" in-water towed generator. Alternatively, 350W of PV panels will generate the same amount of usable electricity in a 24 hour period, maybe more, near the equator or in the doldrums.
I still have yet to see anyone back up a claim of more than 100W at 6kts, even from a $10,000+ computer-controlled, variable-pitch, transom-mounted, in-water generator.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, "Nick" <chernikit@...> wrote:
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> Well - I'd certainly agree if you referring to a fixed pitch propulsion propeller being used for re-gen, but there are other ways to skin this cat. Prop's and generators optimised for the purpose can do better.
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> http://www.cruisingworld.com/gear/electronics/green-power-on-passage
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> I've sailed on a 56' Herreshoff where we used a towed taffrail generator on a long haul to the South Pacific to good effect - had the keep the steaks frozen ;-). But in the Doldrums (ITCZ) you can sure get skunked for wind. Sitting there, 'as still as a painted ship, upon a painted ocean', we did have to run the main engine to keep up. I'm now considering a type fixed to the boat like the Duogen mentioned in the article, as I'm now in more confined waters, and that tow rope does need a degree of attention. Pricey, though.
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> Nick
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