15
Ensure that the cable runs freely
and without obstructions.
Should the DuoGen be vibrating or unduly noisy in operation, it should be stopped
immediately whilst the cause is identified. DuoGen should never be allowed to run with
damaged, cracked or misaligned turbine or impeller blades.
Water Mode 4
Water Mode 4
Water Mode 4
Water Mode 4
The weight of the DuoGen’s alternator helps to balance the weight of
the tower, making the DuoGen easy to raise and lower using the
recovery lanyard when the yacht is stationary.
However, when the yacht is underway, the hydrodynamic force
generated by the diving plane, which prevents the water impeller from
surfacing, also makes it difficult to raise the DuoGen at boat speeds
over 3 knots.
Prior to recovering the DuoGen from its water mode, either:
slow the yacht to 3 knots or less, OR
cut the top off a plastic bottle, and allow it to slide down the
clearing line. This will lodge at the diving plane and break the
water flow, making the DuoGen easy to raise, OR
install a longer recovery lanyard via a small block off the
backstay or other convenient point, such as a davit. The
enhanced lead angle and purchase this will provide should make
recovery much easier.
To recover the DuoGen from water mode with the yacht underway:
Ensure that electrical
connections are secure and
permanent.
Always fit an in-line fuse
Do not use crocodile clips or
temporary connectors.
Use a waterproof gland where the
cable passes into the boat. Use
extension cable which is at least
the same cross-sectional area as
the cable supplied with the
DuoGen, that is 4.5 mm².
Corroded connections are the
single biggest cause of electrical
failures on yachts. It is good
practice to smear battery
terminals and other exposed
connections with petroleum jelly in
order to prevent this.
Once the DuoGen is installed, it
is not necessary to disconnect
the electrical connections when
changing mode.
The Diving Plane
The running depth of the DuoGen’s water impeller unit is controlled
by the diving plane. The impeller usually operates in the top 500 mm
of water and 300 mm is a typical depth for the impeller hub.
The foil can be adjusted to allow the impeller to run a little deeper or
shallower if required. Note that the mount height of the alternator also
has an effect on running depth, so raising or lowering the pivot point
height is an additional or alternative option.
The diving plane is adjusted by loosening the M8 bolt and nut,
together with the allen head locking screw immediately below. The
foil can be moved several degrees either side of a ‘mean’ indicated by
the alignment marks in the casting.
Tighten the M8 bolt in the new position and finally tighten the lock
screw to secure.
