Wind Generator Questionnaire

DuoGen Homepage

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.

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.

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