Forgen Wind Generators
New owners, same great performance, and several improvements.
Small reliable-output Forgen vertical axis wind generators for remote places
The Forgen wind-driven generator embodies long-established high-efficiency generator principles, combined with turbine airflow expertise. Low inertia of the carefully balanced all-aluminium rotor assembly enables the maximum advantage to be taken of average weather conditions.
The two machines in the range, the Forgen Ventus 30 and the Forgen Ventus 70, can produce in an average 15-knot wind speed either 12 or 24 amp-hrs in a 24 hour period (depending on battery condition).
The design of the machines is such that in extreme wind conditions the turbine is self-regulating. The electronic circuitry is also internally protected against overload, neither machine requires an external regulator to be fitted.
The turbine drive of the permanent magnet generator is widely acknowledged as the most efficient design, and when mounted vertically it takes advantage of wind from any direction. All electrical components are encapsulated and the unit is virtually maintenance free, especially as there are no slip rings. The outlet supply cable to the battery cannot become entangled. As there are no separate blades the unit is vibration free and silent in operation.
The Forgen Ventus 30 is designed as a trickle charger and may be permanently connected to the battery. The Forgen Ventus 70 gives a higher charge and has been designed for larger multiple battery installations usually associated with boats over 10m in length. The use of a Forgen Ventus ensures easy start-up after overnight or week-long mooring of sailing craft. Parked caravans, electric fence units, sea buoys or other remotely situated electronic equipment are also typical uses for the Forgen. It has seen wide use in freezing conditions, as ice build-up does not affect the balance to cause failure.
It is well known that batteries have a much longer working life when maintained in a fully charged condition, and even a small charge current will help prevent battery deterioration. The generator circuit is designed so that the battery cannot be overcharged, and is self-adjusting for 12 or 24-volt batteries.
High winds present no problems for the Forgen Generators. The aerofoil design of the rotors means that surplus wind is ‘dumped’.
In wind tunnel tests using smoke, once maximum revolutions have been reached, excess air can be seen ‘pluming’ out of the top of the units. The more the wind increases, the bigger the plume!
Forgen Ventus 30 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
The Forgen Ventus 30 was formally known as the Forgen 500.
Forgen Vertical Axis Wind Turbine technology is used in many different applications all over the world including government scientific research institutions, on sailing boats, and increasingly in many varied commercial applications where small-scale remote power is required.
The sophisticated technology behind the turbines enables the maximum advantage to be taken of even the most average weather conditions. However, Forgen turbines really come into their own when faced with extreme environments such as those found in the Arctic and the Antarctic as well as offshore marine applications.
The Forgen Ventus 30 is the smallest vertical axis machine in the range and measures just 200 mm in diameter in plan dimensions and just over 300 mm tall. This small entry-level unit is designed for single battery installations up to 150Ah of battery capacity.
There are two models offered in the range, the normal-temperature model (NT) and the low-temperature model (LT). The Forgen Ventus 30 is suitable for temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius, whereas the low-temperature models are designed to continue operating in temperatures down to -50 degrees Celsius. Uniquely, during high-speed wind tunnel tests, the Forgen Ventus 30 model was still spinning and delivering output in 100mph winds, which is often seen as a challenge for many horizontal axis machines.
This product comes complete with standard wedge mount and bracket. Alternative mounting options are also available at extra cost.
The Forgen Ventus 30 does not require a charge controller.
Forgen Ventus 30 – Technical Data
Rotor Diameter: 200mm
Vane height: 310mm
Output voltage: 12VDC or 24VDC
Rated output: Approx 20W max. @ 21m/s (40 knots) wind speed
Start-up wind speed: Approx 3~4m/s (5.82~7.78 knots)
Cut-in wind speed: Approximately 6~7 m/s (11.66~13.61 knots)
Generator: Protected Three Phase permanent magnet
Noise Level: less than 5dB from unit
Coating: All exposed parts powder coated Aluminum, center shaft cold anodised
Bearing: Fully sealed
Temperature range: -20oc ~ 50oc
Wire: 5 meters 2 core wire (other options available)
Mounting options: Pole mount, Wedge mount, Mast mount, Rail mount
Weight: 7 kg
Installation: Easy and simple.
Warranty: 2 years
Special Features:
Safe and silent in operation
Non-blade design for user safety
In extreme wind conditions, the turbine is self-regulating
No maintenance required
Corrosion resistant components
Electrical circuit fully protected against overload
Solid state rectifier
Forgen Ventus V70 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
The Forgen Ventus 70 was formally known as the Forgen 1000.
The Forgen Ventus V70 is the larger scale vertical axis machine in the range and measures 300mm diameter in plan dimensions and just over 465mm tall. This unit is designed for multiple battery bank installations typically up to 450 Ah.
There are also two models offered in the 1000 series range, the normal temperature model (NT) and the low-temperature model (LT). The Forgen 500 NT is suitable for temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius, whereas the low-temperature models are designed to continue operating in temperatures down to -50 degrees Celsius. Like the Forgen Ventus V30 model, during high-speed wind tunnel tests, the Forgen V70 model was still spinning and delivering output in 100mph winds, which is often seen as a challenge for many horizontal axis machines.
Forgen Ventus 70 – Technical Data
Rotor Diameter: 300mm
Vane height: 465mm
Output voltage: 12VDC or 24VDC
Rated output: Approx 45W max. at 21m/s (40 knots) wind speed
Start-up wind speed: Approx 2m/s (3.88 knots)
Cut-in wind speed: Approximately 4-4.5 m/s (7.75-8.75 knots)
Generator: Three Phase permanent magnet
Noise Level: less than 5dB
Coating: All exposed parts powder coated Aluminum, center shaft cold anodised
Bearing: Fully sealed
Temperature range: -20oc ~ 50oc
Wire: 5 meters 2 core wire (other options available)
Mounting option: Pole mount, Wedge mount, Mast mount, Rail mount
Weight: 15 kg
Installation: Easy and simple.
Warranty: 2 years
Special Features:
Safe and silent in operation
Non-bladee design for user safety
In extreme wind condition,s the turbine is self-regulating
No maintenance required
Corrosion resistant components
Electrical circuit fully protected against overload
Solid state rectifier
Mounting Options for Forgen Ventus series
Various Mounting Options include:
Wedge Mount and Bracket – used to fit to a vertical flat surface
- The bracket is then slotted over the wedge to provide a tight, secure fit
- Tighten the grub screw at the base of the bracket
- Rail Plate c/w wedge mount and bracket – used to fit to a tubular vertical or horizontal rail
- The wedge is fitted to the pre drilled rail plate
- The 300 x 221 mm rail plate is then fitted to a horizontal or vertical tube/rail
- The bracket is then slotted over the wedge in the same way as the standard wedge and bracket configuration
- Side Mount – used in extreme environments of cold temperature and high winds
- This mounting arrangement is fully assembled at the factory, such that installation is carried out by simply fixing the vertical bar to a horizontal surface (usually via countersunk screws).Note: This mounting is most suitable for extreme environments including consistently high winds.
Pole Mount – Mounting on top of a standard 2″/50mm pole
- The Forgen wind turbine is fist located and fixed to the top of the mount via a threaded hole and nuts
- There is the option of pulling the cable through the centre of the pole using the external gland located on the side of the pole mount
- Tighten the pole mount to the pole using the three grub screws located on the bottom of the pole mount as shown
Prices Guide only – Please check for the latest prices before ordering.
| Model | Dual voltage | Rated output | Prices March 2023 |
| Forgen Ventus 30 wedge mounted | 12 or 24 v | 10 watts | $2110 |
| Forgen Ventus 30 sub-zero wedge mounted | 12 or 24 v | 10 watts | $2350 |
| Forgen Ventus 30 side mounted – add extra | $765 | ||
| Forgen Ventus 70 wedge mounted | 12 or 24 v | 30 watts | $2780 |
| Forgen Ventus 70 sub-zero wedge mounted | 12 or 24 v | 30 watts | $2895 |
| Forgen Ventus 70 side mounted – add extra | $785 | ||
| Rail mounting plate | $315 | ||
| Pole mounting for 50mm pole | $235 |
These wind chargers are stocked in small quantities, or ordered in, especially for larger orders.
They are found to be really successful in very remote locations where maintenance is costly.
They are unaffected by build-up of ice or snow, and are not damaged by bird strikes.
Order here – Delivery time is 4 – 6 weeks from UK factory.
