Wind Generator Question

[MrAntigone]

I have two questions about wind generators.

1. Is the "brake" setting supposed to stop the fan from spinning completely or just slow it down? Would this differ across different models? I have an older wind generator, and the "brake" just slows it down. But perhaps this is normal? Or normal for older models?

2. How frequently should a fan spin if I only have GPS drawing juice? The generator is supposed to be automatic and intermittent but it still spins quite often even with just GPS. Does this mean the model is old, failing, or is this normal? Should I fix/replace the generator?

Thanks.

[Sailmonkey]

1. The brake only shorts the windings and makes the rotor difficult to turn, the blades will still spin.

2. The gen does not care what you’re running, it’s only aim is to reach a specific battery voltage. If the batteries are not there, then it will run. For instance ours is set to cut out @ 14.5 volts. This never happens at night and only during the day when the solar is essentially done charging the batteries.

[Vasco]

It depends. Some older models have a mechanical brake that flies out at a certain prop speed and friction against the housing.

[Vasco]

Stops it.

[shelleyWendert]

I think it depends.

[GILow]

Depends on the model but every windgen I have seen first hand the braking simply slowed the blades, it did not stop them.

[boom23]

On the Silentwind the brake would slow down the blades to barely turning. I am not sure about other wind generators.