Saturday, March 15, 2008

Lagoon 420 – Diesel Electric Sailing Vacations

Interested in finding out what the future in yachting will be like? The best way to get a close and personal introduction into diesel electric yachting is through chartering one of these “Green” yachts. The Tortola Catamaran Center will be able to give you this opportunity through their acquisition of a Lagoon 420, called “Dignity”. This kind of propulsion system makes minimal noise, and does not create smoke.

The Lagoon 420 is the perfect example of what happens when luxury and technology work together. Space and comfort were not limited in the design of this boat. The large master cabin is in the port hull. The other cabins provide substantial room for crewmembers. This catamaran is not run short of storage area. Privacy can be easily attained since all cabins can be closed off from the salon.

Experience all of Lagoon’s innovations on an environmentally sound vessel. “Dignity’s” electric propulsion system consists of two standard electric motors connected to propellers by straight shaft transmissions, one generator and two set of 6 batteries.

Even while this vessel is running on the electric system crew members can rest assure that they are not creating any pollution? This system is so advanced that the batteries actually charge while the vessel is sailing. Regeneration occurs on the downside of waves. The generator provides electricity for the motors, the batteries and the daily boat needs (air conditioning, power sockets, washing machine, etc.). This arrangement creates energy savings for you. Experience what it’s like to enjoy sailing the ocean in a 21st century electric catamaran. The fact that you are sailing in a non-polluting vessel will mean enjoying Mother Nature without damaging it.

When batteries are 100 % charged, the boat will be able to function with both motors for approximately two hours (depending on speed). When batteries are 80 % charged, the generator will automatically start and charge the batteries in order to provide electricity for the motors.

Be one of the first to participate in the future of sailing.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Why Small Diesel Generators Top The Emergency Power Generation Class!

Small diesel generators have become an essential household item for many families throughout the United States. In areas prone to hurricane, tornadoes and severe winters, small diesel generators provide life saving aid. One only has to live through a power outage lasting several days in below freezing conditions to realize how difficult life would have been without one of these superb little machines.

Small diesel generators have always had wide acceptance within industrial, rural or building applications. However, with the advance in diesel technology and the small engine over the past few years, diesel is fast becoming the preferred option for household generator owners. These small compact units are not only safer to operate, but they are now much quieter and last much longer than their petrol counterparts.

The reality of small diesel generators being incredibly noisy and smelly is now fast disappearing. One only has to look at sales figures of these engines to the domestic market over the past couple of years to realise how quickly this has happened. More and more home stand-by generators are now diesel powered.

Suburbia, particularly in those areas that are prone to power outages through one reason or other has become inundated with diesel generators of latter years. This has historically been the domain of the small petrol generator which was relatively lightweight and easy for the home handyman to operate. In the wrong hands though, the toxic emissions from these types of generator have proven to be deadly. Safety for many people is reason enough to change to the small diesel generators. The exhaust fumes are not nearly as toxic as those that are emitted from gasoline engines. The fact that they require less maintenance is also another main reason for the change. No ignition system, carburettor or spark plugs means that there is far less that can go wrong.

In a stand-by situation the small diesel generator shows why it is so good. It is built to work for hours on end, in fact the harder it has to work the better it likes it. Gasoline generators on the other hand are more than likely going to self-destruct if put to the same kinds of tasks as the diesel generators. They are designed for intermittent use and when working under load they are also usually very noisy. Homes today are also not the simple affair that they used to be. Now fitted with modern electronic devices, they require a back-up power system that provides high quality stable power. Small diesel generators provide this quality that protects this sensitive equipment from damaging power surges.

The only real downside with the small diesel generators is their initial cost. This cost though much greater will soon be offset by the lower maintenance costs, and the long problem free life that you can expect. Ten to fifteen years is not an unreasonable life expectancy of a small diesel generator providing regular maintenance requirements are carried out.