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Old 07-02-2023, 11:37   #1
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Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Hi!


We are finally getting around to mount our Silentwind Windgenerator on our boat.
We've got most of the hardware already but I'm struggling to find a clever solution to isolate the mast (vibration wise) from the deck.


Could you maybe share pictures and experience on DOs and DONTs?


Thank you

Will
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Old 07-02-2023, 12:49   #2
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Without seeing the actual mounting hardware that you have, it’s not really possible to come up with a solution for your vibration.

What I can say works is get some foam rubber in between a couple of things that are holding it.

For instance, if you have a plate that is horizontal with a tube that is vertical coming out of it to hold the wind generator mast, attach that to a second plate that is horizontal and bolted to the deck, but put foam rubber in between them.
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Old 07-02-2023, 12:59   #3
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Thank you for your quick reply.
For now I got the Windgenerator and the mast but looking for a good solution to mount it on deck

I got acces to a lathe, 3d printer and lasercutter as well as Tig gear, so fabricating a mount might take some time and involve learning curve but I'd like to avoid some (not to me) obvious mistakes.
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Old 07-02-2023, 13:11   #4
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Oh wow. You have significantly more resources than I do. Ha ha

You should have no trouble rigging something up.

The main idea is just to get that soft layer in between something or other that you create to mount it.

I had some pretty major vibration problems with my Outboards. These are the main motors on my Catamaran. I had built the slide that they move up and down out of the water in using aluminum and Wood temporarily. The amount of vibration that transferred through that to the hull made it so you couldn’t even have a conversation while this thing was underway. You had to yell over these Outboards.

When I redid the slides, i used some Delrin so they slide up and down in the aluminum track better. And between one of the plates and the Delrin , I put a half inch foam rubber to isolate the outboards from the aluminum slide/boat. Think like a yoga mat. Something like that.

Now? It is quiet as a library in the boat underway with the motors on. You can whisper and hear someone easily.

If it worked this while in my situation, I’m sure it’s going to work very well in your situation as well. You just have to isolate it.
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Old 07-02-2023, 14:06   #5
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

We have a rubber washer between two sections of wind generator mast. That reduces but doesn’t eliminate the vibration - now it’s a low hum in the cabin below (our berth). One day we’ll replace the rubber washer with a wider foam washer.

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Make sure you also mount the wind generator with the proper bearings and bushings at the top of the mast.
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Old 07-02-2023, 14:30   #6
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Rather than inventing something new, just go to Amazon and type in “vibration mounts.” You will find and endless source of isolation mounts in a variety of sizes. These work a LOT better than a simple foam pad because there is no solid mounting hardware to carry the vibration.

On my boat every piece of mechanical equipment, pumps, fans, anything, is mounted with appropriately sized mounts like these. Makes living aboard a LOT more pleasant if you can’t hear the watermaker running, or the fresh water pump cycling.

Pick them based on the total weight of the installed equipment. That will match the hardness of the rubber to the load. Too hard, and it will transmit vibration, too soft and it will bottom out and wear out quickly.
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Old 07-02-2023, 14:45   #7
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

It’s futile, better learn to live with vibrations.
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Old 07-02-2023, 15:29   #8
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

1/2" thick rubber under the "feet" or post mounts and 1/4" rubber on rail clamps. "Live rubber" as used for mast partners. Very quiet. If you start to notice a noise when it revs in 16+ knots you know it's time to change the bearings. Use nylocks and loctite 242 blue on everything.
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Old 07-02-2023, 15:56   #9
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

https://vibrasystems.com/engine-moto...-isolator.html

…and they come in stainless…
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Old 07-02-2023, 15:59   #10
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

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Those would work. I had early Volvo motor mounts the first two years but the rust got to be too much. I would add a safety cable from base to top bolt though.
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Old 08-02-2023, 00:33   #11
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

All these products reduce vibration but nothing will free you from it. Even when hoisting with a halyard you still have vibrating.
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Old 08-02-2023, 11:34   #12
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Thank you for all the replies!
I sent one.manufacturer of those stainless engine mounts an email to get a quote for the right stiffness an dimension of those mounts.
The challenge is that the turbine will be mounted quite high up and I can't calculate the forces involved at the base of the mast myself.


I'd be happy if the running noise of the generator will be reduced to a slight humm since I'm pretty sensitive to noises.
The sound dampening of the engine room is another project I'm tackling atm.


I'll keep you updated how the mounting went eventually!


Kind regards Will
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Old 08-02-2023, 14:08   #13
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Re: Vibration free mounting of Windgenerator? Show your solutions ;-)

Whatever you come up with, you will find the wind generator noise is very useful in waking you up at anchor when the wind gets up. I could guess the windspeed within 3 knots by just listening.
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