Vertical wind turbine supplies power for onboard electronics of sailboats
The power supply for sailboats can be ensured by a wind turbine on the mast. The Grain Blanc is also suitable for buildings.
The Grain Blanc wind turbine supplies sailboats with electricity. However, it can also be used in an adapted form in cascades for buildings.
(Image: Philéole)
The Belgian start-up Philéole has developed a vertical-axis wind turbine for sailboats that captures air currents from all directions while sailing, thereby generating electricity for the onboard electronics. The system, called Grain Blanc, ensures that no internal combustion engine needs to be started or a battery charged in the harbor to have enough electricity on board.
The wind turbine is relatively compact with a height of one meter and a diameter of 45 cm. The 12 kg turbine is mounted at mid-height on the mast of a sailboat. The rigging should not be impaired. 0.29 m² of surface area is exposed to the wind. The turbine rotates from a wind speed of 2 m/s (approx. 4 kn) and charges a battery via a three-phase generator with an integrated rectifier. At a wind speed of 14 m/s, charging should occur at a voltage of 12 V with 20 A (240 W). The output voltage can also be increased to 24 V.
Due to the vertical orientation of the turbine, it works constantly even when the wind direction changes – for example, when the sailboat's course changes or the wind conditions change. Conventional horizontal turbines, on the other hand, must be aligned with the wind to be operated efficiently.
Independent power supply for onboard electronics
The system is designed to be retrofitted to many sailboats. Operation is intended to be quiet and low-vibration. The battery power is used to supply the onboard electronics, such as radar, GPS, radios, and control consoles, as well as navigation lights. However, dehumidifiers or small refrigerators can also be operated with it, Philéole promises.
The system is designed to make sailboats more independent. Recharging the battery stationary in the harbor is no longer necessary. Furthermore, no internal combustion engine needs to run on board to generate energy, thus avoiding environmentally harmful COâ‚‚ emissions.
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However, Philéole is not only targeting sailboats with Grain Blanc. Since the turbine can effectively utilize air currents from all directions, the system is also suitable for use on residential buildings and for supplying public infrastructure such as street lighting. Philéole has adapted the wind turbine accordingly. For buildings, for example, several of the turbines are combined into a cascade with higher output.
(olb)
