Wind Generator Questionnaire

 
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Help us umprove our product and service by filling in the questionnaire.
We want to know what you think about wind generators in general and DuoGen in particular.

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General Questions

1. What is your normal cruising pattern? (Select all that apply)
  Daysail
  Coastal
  Extended coastal (transnational)
  Blue water
 
2. Which of the following electrical devices do you usually utilise while on passage? (Select all that apply)
  GPS
  Weatherfax
  VHF
  Autopilot
  Radar
  Log
  Depth sounder
  Pressurized water
  Water maker
  Fridge
  Entertainment system
 
3. For the type of cruising you do, do you think that supplementary battery charging devices for cruising yachts, such as wind turbines, water generators and solar panels are: (Select one)
  unnecessary
  useful
  essential
 
4. What would you consider most useful? (Select one)
  a device that can replace an appreciable amount of power as you consume it
  a trickle charger to maintain battery charge when the boat is left unattended for long periods
  both
 
5. Do you switch equipment off in passage to conserve power? (Select one)
  Yes
  No
 
6. When do you think the demands on your yacht's batteries are greatest? (Select one)
  At anchor or in harbour
  On passage
 
7. In 5 years' time, do you think the average cruising yacht will be fitted with more or less electrical equipment? (Select one)
  More
  Less
  Similar
 
8. Which methods of battery charging do you utilise at present? (Select all that apply)
  Engine and alternator
  Shore power and charger
  On board petrol or diesel generator
  Wind
  Water
  Solar
 
9. Of the wind generators available, what do you see at the main drawback(s)? (Select all that apply)
  Insufficient output
  Noise
  Cost
  Mounting difficulties
  Effect on the yacht's performance
  Safety
  Appearance
 
10. Of the dedicated water generators currently available, what do you see as the main drawback(s)? (Select all that apply)
  Insufficient output
  Cost
  Long tow rope and heavy impeller
  Difficulty in deploying and recovering
  Mounting
  Loss of boat speed due to drag
  Stowage when not in use
 
11. Do you see any advantage in a dual mode machine rather than either a dedicated wind or water generator? (Select one)
  Yes
  No
 

Questions about DuoGen

12. How does DuoGen compare aesthetically with other wind turbines? (Select one)
  More attractive
  Less attractive
  Similar
 
13. How easy do you think it would be to install a DuoGen, in comparison to a conventional wind turbine? (Select one)
  More difficult
  Less difficult
  The same
 
14. In comparison to other dual mode wind/water machines which use ropes and impeller for water and are hoised in the rigging for wind, do you think DuoGen represents a step forward? (Select one)
  Yes
  No
 
15. From what you know of DuoGen, what do you see as the main weaknesses? (Select all that apply)
  Unconvincing concept
  Difficult to mount
  Visually unattractive
  Expensive
  Unproven
  Insufficient output in water mode
  Too much trouble to change modes
 
16. From what you know of DuoGen, what do you see as the main strengths? (Select all that apply)
  Clever concept
  Better energy conversion potential than a dedicated wind turbine
  Easy and fast mode change
  Quiet, slow speed operation
  Weight at deck level rather than aloft
  Well engineered
  Bracketry included in price
 
17. DuoGen's wind turbine is designed to furl in high winds, thereby reducing the loading on the turbine and the strain on the yacht's moorings. Do you think this is a useful feature? (Select one)
  Yes
  No
 
18. DuoGen's water impeller incorporates a diving plane which controls operating depth and prevents surfacing, even at boat speeds of 12 knots. Do you think this is useful feature? (Select one)
  Yes
  No
 
19. What do you think of the information we publish about DuoGen (product pack and web site)? (Select all that apply)
  Gives all the information needed
  Important information is missed out
  Format is 'wordy' and not easy to follow
  Format is clear and informative
 
20. Are you planning to purchase any of the following in the next 12 months? (Select all that apply)
  Mains charger
  On board petrol or diesel generator
  Conventional wind generator
  Conventional water generator
  Conventional combined wind and water generator
  DuoGen water/wind generator
  Solar panels
 
21. Please include below any further comments that will help us to improve our product and service.
 
 
Your e-mail address:
 
Finally, please click the button below to submit your response.
 
 

 

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