http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90599
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96352
Any auto parts store will have flooded "deep cycle" marine batteries that are rated what you want for about $100 each. If you want sla's, then go to a wheelchair/medicare/medical supply. They're a lot more money, but they won't spill.
The Bergey retails for about $2800. The latest AirX marine 400watt turbines have smart controllers built in so they won't overcharge. You won't need a dump controller with those.
The Air X marine turbines always had built in regulators which is one of the reasons I don't recommend them. Apparently, they also have an "industrial" model which does not have the built-in regulator. Up in the turbine head is not a good place for electronics and it makes it impossible to use the excess energy for anything useful (like heating water) once your batteries are full.
The other reason I don't recommend them is the almost incredible noise level, a high pitched swishing sound that carries a long way, particularly over water. Yes, their advertizing says they are quieter, but they are only quieter than their previous efforts. They are far noisier than any other comperable machine I have come across. These noisemakers have probably done more to hinder the acceptance of wind power than any other product on the market.
Many of them also put out serious RF noise. So serious that it is not unusual that the only thing I can hear on my SSB communications radio is the wind turbine on a boat 5-600 feet away. It is the only wind turbine I know of that generates RF interference.
OwenIf you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.[ Parent ]
I'm suprised to hear about the rf interference, though. Uncle Charlie usually has something to say real quick if you make noise for no reason.
The regulated output is an absolute safety necessity in a marine application. It would be easy to burn to the waterline if a marine electrical generator just kept churning out in a storm, esp. since you may not be able to bring it down in high winds/rough seas.[ Parent ]