DuoGen - March 2003 Newsletter
Losing Speed
Green Thoughts
Solution...Tef-Gel®
New on ourWeb Site
Losing Speed
Unlike conventional water generators which use a heavy impeller on a long line, DuoGen's water mode operates in the stern wave of the yacht. Amp for amp, we have measured over a third less drag from DuoGen than from 'towline' machines.
In terms of speed loss, and by way of example, the smallest of our test boats, a 27 footer weighing two tons, lost 0.15 - 0.2 of a knot at 6 knots with DuoGen producing a steady 8 amps.
Clearly with a heavier, more powerful yacht the losses would be even smaller. Drag does rise sharply with increasing boat speed, but at 6½ knots, your average passage times won't be greatly effected, and you will be putting a steady 10 amps into your batteries.
(For more information about issues surrounding the installation and deployment of DuoGen, see our FAQs on the web site.)
Green Thoughts
More than ever before, owning and using
a renewable energy system is a "lifestyle statement".
Once again, carbon reduction targets are in the news with the release
of the Government's Energy White Paper on 25th February.
"Our country needs a new energy policy" the Summary of the Paper
begins. The target is to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.
The best way of achieving this is seen as "through energy diversity",
that is, not being reliant on one or two sources of energy, but developing
a wide range of generation technologies.
Renewable energy is an important part of this, and wind power is only
one of the options. The development of large-scale wind farms, especially
in coastal areas, will continue. But employing micro-turbines in local
and domestic projects also has great potential to help reduce carbon emissions
(and fuel bills!).
If you have a wind generator, a water generator or solar panels on your
boat then you've made a good start with local, small-scale power generation
- perhaps you could investigate the installation of some renewable energy
at home!
Problem... Corrosion: Solution... Tef-Gel®
When dismantling equipment for maintenance or repairs, this is the stuff
you need.
Tef-Gel® is a PTFE-based waterproof lubricant with anti-corrosion
and anti-seize properties. Tef-Gel® does not break down in salt water
or detergents.
Here at Eclectic, we use the highest quality, marine grade materials throughout,
and all moving parts are fitted with low-friction bearing bushes.
However, we use Tef-Gel in assembly to eliminate the risk of galvanic
corrosion between dissimilar metals. This brilliant American-made (as
used by the US Navy!) product is difficult to find in the UK, so we decided
to sell it on to UK yachtsmen.
Tef-Gel comes in a handy 1oz syringe complete with a little applicator
brush. As you need so little, this will last you a long time, and ensure
that all your disassembly jobs are easy in the future
Only £14.99 including post, packing and VAT in the UK.
Call 01623 821535. Delivery from stock. All major credit and debit cards accepted
