INSTALLATION
4
May 2017 / M-GV4 Piccolo for marine applications / EN
2
INSTALLATION
2.1
GENERAL
To ensure reliability and durability of the equipment, it is very
important that the installation is carried out with the utmost
care and attention. To avoid problems, such as temperature
problems, noise levels, vibration, etc. the instructions set out in
this manual must be followed and all installation work must be
carried out professionally.
2.2
LOCATION
When looking for a proper place for a GV4 Piccolo in a boat all
relevant aspects have to be taken into account
Accessibility
Solid foundation
Space to mount the exhaust
A route to fit the fuel lines
Since the Whisper Genverters have extremely compact
dimensions, they can be installed in tight locations. Please
consider that even almost maintenance-free machinery must
still remain accessible.
When selecting the location area in which to mount the
Genverter, make sure there is sufficient room to carry out any
maintenance work. The unit must be easily accessible on the
service side.
All models can be serviced from one side. Oil filling can be done
on the service side and on the top. (The top of the engine
(rocker cover) has to be accessible for adjustment of the valve
clearance.
Please also note that in spite of the automatic oil pressure
switch it is still essential that the oil level is checked regularly.
2.3
PROTECTION AGAINST DIRT, WATER, HIGH
TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS.
The unit is designed to be mounted inside a boat. The
Genverter is not suited to mount on deck in the open air to be
subjected to bad weathers conditions and (salt) water spray
and rain or snow. The best place is a dedicated machine room.
Also inside the boat, the Genverter should be protected against
bilge water, condensation, frost and other conditions that will
affect the machinery. The air inlet of the engine room must be
protected against the ingress of water and it is recommended
to fit an air inlet strainer for protection against dirt and dust.
2.4
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OPTIMAL SOUND AND
VIBRATION INSULATION
Position the GV4 Piccolo as low as possible in the vessel. The
Genverter is secured to the base frame inside the canopy by
means of a double flexible engine mountings system. This
frame is must be solidly mounted in the vessel, not using rubber
mountings again. When it is possible to mount the unit directly
on the vessel’s frames this has advantages in preventing
vibrations by resonance.
2.4.1 Further recommendations
Whisper generating sets are standard equipped with a sound
cover canopy. This sound cover has been designed to give
effective sound insulation. For optimum sound and vibration
dampening, the following factors should be considered.
1.
Most important is the structure on which the Genverter is
placed to be stiff. Directly below the base frame the
structure should be supported vertically to the trusses of
the boat. When this is not possible horizontal structures
should be made stiff by additional provisions (refer to
Figure 1).
2.
In larger vessels a separate and insulated machine room
for the Genverter will help to damp the noise even further
3.
Avoid mounting the generating set in close proximity to
thin walls or floors that may cause resonance.
4.
Sound dampening is extremely poor if the generating set is
mounted on a light weight flimsy surface such as plywood
which will only amplify vibrations. If mounting on a thinner
surface cannot be avoided, this should be at least be
reinforced with stiffening struts or ribbing. If possible,
holes should be drilled or cut through the surface to help
reduce the resonance. Covering the surrounding walls and
floors with a heavy coating plus foam will certainly
improve the situation.
5.
Never connect the base of the generating set directly to
walls or tanks (refer to Figure 1).
Figure 1: Mounting of a Whisper generating set. X = wrong, V = OK
