Eclectic Energy D400 Wind Generator 12 Volt
Virtually Silent and Vibration Free
Eclectic D400 Wind Generator 12 Volt
The D400 is a direct-drive wind generator, designed for a variety of marine and terrestrial applications. It is exceptionally quiet and vibration-free in operation. The D400 features a powerful 3-phase alternator, and computer-designed rotor blades optimized for low speed, user friendly operation. This innovative machine is extremely efficient in low wind speeds, yet is capable of sustained power outputs of over 500 watts in higher winds. Distinctive and elegant in design, the D400 is superbly engineered for long, trouble-free service.
Features of the D400:
- Ideal for mounting on buildings or boats
- Virtually silent and vibration free in operation
- Highly efficient and productive at all wind speeds
- Low maintenance 'fit and forget' engineering
- Attractive, visually pleasing design
- Robustly constructed for a long service life
- Corrosion-resistant materials used throughout
- Available in white only
- Two Year Warranty
- Rated output:
- 235W at 11m/s (22 knots)
- 420W at 14m/s (28 knots)
- 12 volt or 24 volt available
- Rotor 1.1m diameter
- Turning circle 700mm
- Weight 17kg
Links:
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Review
D400 Vs The Competition
(Taken from Practical Boat Owner Magazine Issue 467 Nov 2005)
*Best buy high output turbine for the bigger boat.
This is a large machine with a large power output. The rotor was the same as the DuoGen, but is bolted onto the hub. This can be fitted the wrong way round, so follow the instructions. No mounting pole was supplied and Eclectic suggest the use of standard aluminium or steel scaffolding tubing.
Eclectic Energy claim that the D400 runs much more slowly than competing units and thus is much quieter - and indeed we found it to be exceptionally quiet. It gave a very impressive performance, cutting in at only five knots of wind speed.
Charging ability
With an average wind of only nine knots in July on the UK's south coast, output at low wind speed is going to be paramount.The Aero2gen gives only about 0.3A at nine knots, producing about 7Ah per day. The Rutland 503, gave a little more at 0.4A, equating to about 10Ah per day.
The Aero4gen, AirX, Ampair Pacific 100 and Rutland 913 all produce about 1A at nine knots, so will produce about 24Ah per day - enough to run a very well insulated fridge.
The Aero6gen and the DuoGen both give about 1.5A at nine knots (manufacturers' claimed figures), so provide 38Ah per day for our average day.
The large D400 produces 3.8A at nine knots, so you are looking at a very respectable 91Ah per day.
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Braking Switch
A braking switch can be fitted which provides a convenient aid to stopping the D400.
The switch should be a double throw ‘break-before-make’ type, rated at least at
40 amps. When operated, the switch disconnects the batteries from the D400
before short-circuiting the turbine.
The short circuit slows the rotor blades making it easier to turn the machine out of the wind and to secure the blades.
Please note: the D400 utilises a purpose-designed, highly efficient, axial field ironless
alternator. This configuration delivers exceptional power outputs coupled with smooth, low friction running. These attributes are retained to some extent when the braking switch is applied, and in consequence the electro-magnetic braking effect is not as marked as with other machines of more conventional alternator design.
In certain conditions, the rotor can overcome the braking effect altogether, which
results in damagingly high currents being produced in the stator windings.
For this reason the braking switch should only be used to slow the unit prior to
manually stopping it. It is not a parking switch. If the machine is left to run with the braking switch engaged, serious damage can occur to the generator.
A braking switch can be fitted which provides a convenient aid to stopping the D400. The switch should be a double throw ‘break-before-make’ type, rated at least at 40 amps. When operated, the switch disconnects the batteries from the D400 before short-circuiting the turbine. The short circuit slows the rotor blades making it easier to turn the machine out of the wind and to secure the blades.
For this reason the braking switch should only be used to slow the unit prior to manually stopping it. It is not a parking switch. If the machine is left to run with the braking switch engaged, serious damage can occur to the generator.
A braking switch can be fitted which provides a convenient aid to stopping the D400.
The switch should be a double throw ‘break-before-make’ type, rated at least at
40 amps. When operated, the switch disconnects the batteries from the D400
before short-circuiting the turbine.
The short circuit slows the rotor blades making it easier to turn the machine out of the wind and to secure the blades.
Pleae note: the D400 utilises a purpose-designed, highly efficient, axial field ironless
alternator. This configuration delivers exceptional power outputs coupled with smooth, low friction running. These attributes are retained to some extent when the braking switch is applied, and in consequence the electro-magnetic braking effect is not as marked as with other machines of more conventional alternator design.
In certain conditions, the rotor can overcome the braking effect altogether, which
results in damagingly high currents being produced in the stator windings.
For this reason the braking switch should only be used to slow the unit prior to
manually stopping it. It is not a parking switch. If the machine is left to run with the braking switch engaged, serious damage can occur to the generator.
A braking switch can be fitted which provides a convenient aid to stopping the D400.
The switch should be a double throw ‘break-before-make’ type, rated at least at
0 amps. When operated, the switch disconnects the batteries from the D400
before short-circuiting the turbine.
The short circuit slows the rotor blades making it easier to turn the machine out of the wind and to secure the blades.
Please note: the D400 utilises a purpose-designed, highly efficient, axial field ironless
alternator. This configuration delivers exceptional power outputs coupled with smooth, low friction running. These attributes are retained to some extent when the braking switch is applied, and in consequence the electro-magnetic braking effect is not as marked as with other machines of more conventional alternator design.
In certain conditions, the rotor can overcome the braking effect altogether, which
results in damagingly high currents being produced in the stator windings.
For this reason the braking switch should only be used to slow the unit prior to
manually stopping it. It is not a parking switch. If the machine is left to run with the braking switch engaged, serious damage can occur to the generator.
