A wind turbine produces electricity from the force of the wind. In navigation, it is often thought that this method of production is very favourable. Indeed, at sea, the wind is often present. Sailors seek to avoid it rather than expose themselves to it. Whether sailing or at anchor, we always prefer when the wind is not too strong.
That is why a good wind turbine will be the one that produces best in low wind ranges and not the one that produces a maximum at 30 or 40 knots. When the wind is strong, all wind turbines are good. This is less the case in less than 10 knots.
The English Marlex have been manufacturing Rutland wind turbines for many years. Until now, they had chosen 6-bladed wind turbines (Rutland 504 and 914i). These models are less efficient than the 3-bladed turbines and are also much quieter. The 3-bladed turbines, which are harder to balance, whistle as soon as their speed increases. Sailors often stop their wind turbines as soon as the wind rises. Quite the opposite!
The Rutland 1200 announces the beginning of the load curve from 5 knots of wind and produces 40W with 10 knots. At 21.5 knots it produces 290W and switches off automatically from 29 knots (483W).
On the Rutland 1200, Marlec announces perfectly balanced thermomolded blades. This should make it very quiet. With a diameter of 1.20 m, the Rutland 1200 is a large model, which will be favoured on long cruising boats (and not on small boats).
To increase production capacity, this Rutland is available with an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Technology) controller, which can also be fitted with solar panels.
The price of the Rutland 1200 wind turbine with its hybrid electronic regulator is 1495.00 euros including tax
