6.8 GENERATOR

Your yacht is equipped with a generator set (6kW 50Hz), operated by a diesel engine, dimensioned to satisfy the power supply requirements suitably planned in the electric balance for various navigation conditions.
The generator is fundamental when 230V equipment must be used while cruising, or when it is not possible to connect to the shore power supply mains.
The generator is located in the engine room, abaft the port propulsion engine, on a basement suitable to sustain its weight and induced vibrations.
The generator is contained in a sound-proof box, made of removable and insulating panels in painted marine aluminium. This solution allows easy access to the engine and to the alternator for maintenance and inspection, and at the same time a remarkable reduction of noise.
The generator is started using the 12V auxiliary service battery.

Aft of the generator is located the key battery switch that allows you to connect or exclude the generator starter battery.

The generator is equipped with an electronic device for automatically recharging the start up battery by means of its own alternator.
The engine is cooled down, through a heat exchanger, by sea water sucked through an independent sea water intake, located in the technical room and equipped with a cut-OFF valve and an inspectable strainer.
A second heat exchanger cools down the air inside a sound-proof case and the air necessary for the alternator ventilation.
The inspectable sea inlet strainer efficiently protects the cooling circuit from the harmful ingress of mud, sand and algae.

The generator draws the air necessary for combustion directly from the engine room through an opening in the stand; exhaust gases are collected and silenced, through a special muffler and water/fume separator, inside the submersed exhaust of the port propulsion engine.

Besides exhaust gases, cooling water is discharged too. Immediately after the generator exhaust manifold there is the water injection point (raiser), where the mixture of cooling water and exhaust gas is formed.

The generator’s exhaust, in addition to reducing the noise, collects the water in the exhaust pipes when the genset engine is switched OFF, preventing it from flowing into the engine through the exhaust manifold.
The water/fume separator divides the cooling water from the exhaust gas, discharging them overboards; it also further reduces the noise level, which is already reduced by the muffler.

The advantage of using this kind of exhaust is a considerable noise reduction, a lower grade of smoke of the exhaust and a reduction of the operating temperature.
The generator’s start up battery can be recharged by the battery charger installed on the engine room.

The charger can only recharge the battery when the yacht’s power supply is connected to the shore.

DANGER

Carbon monoxide poisoning. Start the generator only in a well ventilated area. The carbon monoxide, generated by the inner combustion of engines, is extremely toxic. Explosion/fire hazard.
Check for the presence of fumes in the generator area.

Before beginning with any start-up procedure, it is extremely important to become “familiar” with the generator set and its controls.

You will also have to carry out an inspection, in order to remove any kind of danger, real or potential.

We therefore recommend you to carefully read the instruction manual supplied by the Manufacturer and, at any rate, to follow indications given.

• Identify the position of the emergency stop buttons, switches and other emergency systems installed on the generator.
• Knowing the specific emergency procedures relevant to the system concerned.
• Check for the correct oil level by means of the relevant dipstick.
• Check that all electric utilities are disconnected, to prevent starting the generator under load.
• Check that the water and fuel pipes are properly connected.
• Make sure that the sea water intake cut-off valve is completely open.

Start up the generator by pressing the START push-button located on the main electrical panel. Release the push-button when the generator is running. Be careful not to exceed 15 seconds continuously per attempt. Allow a break of at least 30 seconds between attempts.

Carry out a new engine running-in cycle as stated by the engine manufacturer. Heat the set engine by running it idle for about 5 minutes after start up, in order to allow the lubricating oil to reach all parts of the engine.

Otherwise, excessive wear of the moving parts may occur. Stop the generator set pressing the STOP push-button located on the main electrical panel.

CAUTION

Repeated start-up attempts with negative result may cause an excessive build-up of water in the draining system, with possible serious consequences for the engine.

CAUTION

Before stopping the generator, it is recommended to let it run for a few minutes with no load, in order to allow the engine and the alternator to gradually cool down.

Inactivity periods:
Start the power generator at least once a month.
If the power generator does not need to be used for a long time, it is necessary to proceed with the following operations:

• Change the engine oil.
• Replace the oil filter cartridge.
• Replace the fuel filter cartridge.
• Remove the injectors and insert 2 cc of engine oil into each cylinder, then let the engine run for several revolutions, manually operating on the pulley of the engine shaft. Then reinstall the injectors.
• Replace the sacrificial anodes.
• Disconnect the starting battery and place it in a dry location.
• Disconnect the sea exhaust pipe from the engine manifold.
• Clean the sea water strainer.
• Close the valve of the sea cock.
• Drain the cooling water from the muffler.

Generator sea water cooling system diagram