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Paradise Yachting®
The AQUAIR 100 Watergenerator |
Suitable for use on Blue Water cruising yachts. Easily mounted and demounted using simple rope system. Wind turbine conversion available for use at anchor.
Proven over thousands of miles of ocean cruising. Reliability is achieved by using a towed turbine on a 30 metre line directly coupled to the alternator shaft. Totally sealed alternator. Stainless steel gambol ring provides a simple and automatic alignment method. Built to professional standards for long term endurance and backed by full manufacturer's warranty. The Aquair 100 is constructed of marine grade materials for minimal maintenance. Only a spare turbine is recommended to cater for accidental loss. Electrical contact is direct to the battery using a simple on/off control switch. ADVANTAGES Greatly reduces the frequency of engine running to recharge service batteries. The Aquair 100 generates sufficient power to run an autopilot, maintain navigation equipment or support a fridge.  Produces
a continuous output of 6 Amps at 12 volts. Permanent magnet alternator,
has no commutator brushes, windings cannot overheat so requires no
thermal cutouts or protection choke.WATER DRIVE VERSUS WIND DRIVE Sailing downwind at 6 knots, the Aquair 100 Water Drive generates approximately 5 amps continuous charge. To obtain 5 amps of generation from the wind driven version while underway, the wind speed required is typically 30 knots (24 knots plus 6 knots boat speed). THE HYBRID SYSTEM
Conversion consists of a 6-blade wind turbine, direction fin plus swivel poles (or pole mount). This enables the Aquair 100 to be hoisted in the rigging or stern mounted for use at anchor.
ELECTRICAL INFORMATION   Aquair 100 5m of 2-core cable (1.5mm˛ core area) is connected to the Aquair generator. This can be terminated direct to the battery but we suggest wiring through a switch, fuse and ammeter (10 Amp for 12 volt) and also the use of a through deck plug and socket. A second deck socket should be considered for fore-triangle hoisting of the wind version. A cable extension up to 5m can be made using the same wire. Operating a towed generator with the switch in the open (off) position will not damage the unit but will generate a high open-circuit voltage, which must be treated with due care.   The Aquair 100 generator features built-in rectifiers which convert AC to DC and block reverse current flow while the permanent magnet alternator will even charge a totally flat battery. The special two bladed turbine is streamed behind on a high strength line which transmits the rotation of the turbine to the generator (in much the same way as a trailing log does). A safety break-link connects the rope directly to the alternator shaft which protects the generator and fixing point in the event of a fouled turbine. A combination of line length and the weight of the stainless steel turbine shaft, prevent the turbine skipping in normal sea states whilst limiting drag to produce only minimal speed loss, (between x and ˝ of a knot for yachts of 9 metres and over). Turbine surfacing occurs at approximately 7 knots for the standard pitch unit and 12 knots for the coarse pitch. The slower speed of the latter reduces output by over 50% below 7 knots. Less drastic adjustment can be made by increasing the tow line diameter and length or by adding sinker weights to the turbine. Shorter tow lines of 20 metres are usable on smaller yachts which typically sail at about 6 knots maximum speed. Generally, it is necessary to 'heave to' to retrieve the turbine and line, otherwise hauling it in hand over hand is difficult, due to its spinning power. Once on board, the line must be restreamed without the turbine to unwind the twists and kinks. |
