FAQHydrogenerator CruisingHydrogenerator RacingHydrogenerator CruisingThe system in not designed to replace the alternator of your engine. It can nevertheless be used while operating your main engine, though the output may be lower because of the engine propeller turbulences. You may either leave the device on the transom in upper lift position, or store it away in your cockpit locker if you own a portable model. If not lifted, it is necessary to have “limiting” lines to prevent the cradle and blade from backing against the transom causing damage. However it is highly recommended to simply raise the device. Hydro generators are delivered with converters having a function of regulator of the level of voltage of the batteries. If you have special batteries we can set the output for you before shipping. The system is compatible with any type of batteries: lead (acid or gel), lithium etc… The lifting system allows inserting a fuse that will release the device in case of impact. However, risk of direct impact on the device is minimal given its position on the transom, behind the keel, centerboard, and rudder. The electronic regulator automatically charges the batteries. When the batteries are fully charged, the propeller switches to "freewheel" which diminishes the drag. We currently don't have any reliable data on the effective drag of the device, or about the speed loss it generates. Our immersion and lifting trials at constant speed have not shown any substantial difference on the speedometer. The power generated increases at the cube of the speed (V3). At 5 knots, the output power is about 120W (or about 10A on a 12V battery raw) with the 280mm propeller. At 8 knots, the system produces 4 times more power, i.e. 480W (about 40A on a 12V battery raw). These figures are instantaneous measurements and averages might be different according to the condition at sea. To reload a park of 12V batteries of 200 ah to 50% of its capacity, on average 10 hours at 5 knots and 3 hours at 8 knots will be necessary. Replacing the propeller is simple and only requires an Allen wrench and an extractor screw. Except for cleansing the exterior body, the device does not require any specific maintenance. The aluminum parts are anodized, and coated with paint. They are also electrically insulated from the other metallic parts to prevent electrolytic corrosion. The hydro generator has been designed for offshore races and benefits from the latest technology for its reliability. Metallic parts are made either in specially treated aluminum or in stainless steel A4. Hydrogenerator RacingThe system in not designed to replace the alternator of your engine. It can nevertheless be used while operating your main engine, though the output may be lower because of the engine propeller turbulences. You may either leave the device on the transom in upper lift position, or store it away in your cockpit locker if you own a portable model. If not lifted, it is necessary to have “limiting” lines to prevent the cradle and blade from backing against the transom causing damage. However it is highly recommended to simply raise the device. Hydro generators are delivered with converters having a function of regulator of the level of voltage of the batteries. If you have special batteries we can set the output for you before shipping. The system is compatible with any type of batteries: lead (acid or gel), lithium etc… The lifting system allows inserting a fuse that will release the device in case of impact. However, risk of direct impact on the device is minimal given its position on the transom, behind the keel, centerboard, and rudder. We currently don't have any reliable data on the effective drag of the device, or about the speed loss it generates. Our immersion and lifting trials at constant speed have not shown any substantial difference on the speedometer The electronic regulator automatically charges the batteries on their good level. When they are full, the incidence of the blades decreases thus reducing the drag. From this moment, the system maintains the charge of the batteries while suppling your electrical loads. The power generated increases at the cube of the speed (V3). At 7 knots, the output power is about 120W (or about 10A on a 12V battery raw). At 11 knots, the system produces 4 times more power, i.e. 480W (about 40A on a 12V battery raw). These figures are instantaneous measurements and averages might be different according to the condition at sea. |