Wind Turbine generator on a camper

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of integrating a wind turbine generator into a camper travel trailer, focusing on the potential for a hybrid power system that includes both solar and wind energy. Participants explore the challenges of generating power while minimizing drag, particularly in the context of a mobile setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines their intention to use recycled materials for a "Tiny Home" and seeks a wind turbine solution that minimizes drag while providing power in various weather conditions.
  • Another participant argues that generating power inherently produces drag, suggesting that a better approach might be to store the turbine and use the vehicle's engine for power while in motion.
  • A third participant acknowledges the previous point but notes that a moving turbine could still harness wind energy under certain conditions, emphasizing the complexity of achieving effective energy generation without increasing drag.
  • A fourth participant provides a resource for determining the appropriate size of a wind turbine based on estimated energy consumption, including a theoretical power production graph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between drag and power generation, with no consensus on the best approach to integrating wind energy into the camper system. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal design and functionality of the wind turbine.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the challenges of balancing power generation with drag reduction, noting that conditions such as wind speed and vehicle motion complicate the effectiveness of a moving turbine. There are also references to theoretical models and practical considerations that may not be fully resolved.

TarheelFootpr
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I am building a "Tiny Home" on an old camper travel trailer. I am using all recycled materials and any leftover building supplies I can find. I am going to use solar power to generate most of my electric power (lights, outlets, etc.). I am considering using a hybrid system and utilizing wind as well. I know all about the drag issues for generating power to run a car, that is not my desire but to be able to provide power in all weather situations without being on the grid. I want to know if there exists a horizontal wind turbine that will not cause a lot of drag and also be an effective source while sitting still and in motion.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Generating power and not producing drag are opposite goals. Generating power is what causes the drag! So it would be best to store the turbine and get the power directly from the car engine when in motion and use the turbine when parked.
 
For practical purposes Russ is right.

But in general, if there is true wind, you can of course use a moving turbine to get wind energy out of it. You just have to make sure that you are slowing the air down relative to the ground (complicated to achieve automatically for all possible situations). On a windless day the moving turbine will inevitably speedup the air relative to the ground. Same goes for tailwind slower that car speed.
 

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