How efficient are the recharging sources for the Thoosa system ?
In summer, after motoring approx 1.5hrs at 4 knots to reach the Harbour Bridge, our motor has consumed approx 20% of the energy. We then set the sails and sail all day and when we return to the Bridge in the late afternoon, our 2 x 150W solar panels have fully recharged the battery bank. We then motor back and when we reach the mooring, the battery bank is back down to 20% loss – at the end of the next day the panels have fully recharged the battery bank again. Tests in winter show a recharging reduction rate of approx 30-40 %, reason being, less daylight sun hours and less strength in sun rays during winter. In a 20 knot headwind and outgoing tide we crank the motor up and consume 35-40% of the battery power. The RG model would recharge at similar levels (summer or winter) provided sailing along at least 5 knots. Having a battery charger and 2kw Honda generator on board, the battery bank can be recharged 2-3 times quicker. An efficient genset(making a hybrid system) can give unlimited
