2021-01-18, 03:43 AM
(This post was last modified: 2021-01-18, 03:44 AM by seandepagnier.)
As for duty cycle... I would imagine this has something to do with the motor overheating. So if it is not under the rated load the duty cycle allowed would be higher.
The duty cycle is very low in light air, but as wind and waves increase, the duty cycle increases up to 50%. Above 50% duty cycle and autopilot performance is poor, and at this point you need a faster/stronger actuator, so with a powerful enough one, you will not reach this duty cycle. The pypilot motor controller has an optional motor temperature sensor to avoid burning the motor out. I would recommend using this on low rated duty cycle. Another option would be to limit the max speed which would slow it down and therefore allow higher duty cycle, but this will also degrade performance which might in fact cause higher duty cycle and heat. Most actuators like this are most efficient at the fastest speed, so the temperature sensor is preferred. You could even maybe put heat sink on the outside of the motor, but realistically, your best bet is to ensure you are no where near the rated load which should allow higher duty cycle than it is rated.
Some other users found the actuator made in china on alibaba which is identical (at least the picture is) to the pelagic drive but a small fraction of the price.
The duty cycle is very low in light air, but as wind and waves increase, the duty cycle increases up to 50%. Above 50% duty cycle and autopilot performance is poor, and at this point you need a faster/stronger actuator, so with a powerful enough one, you will not reach this duty cycle. The pypilot motor controller has an optional motor temperature sensor to avoid burning the motor out. I would recommend using this on low rated duty cycle. Another option would be to limit the max speed which would slow it down and therefore allow higher duty cycle, but this will also degrade performance which might in fact cause higher duty cycle and heat. Most actuators like this are most efficient at the fastest speed, so the temperature sensor is preferred. You could even maybe put heat sink on the outside of the motor, but realistically, your best bet is to ensure you are no where near the rated load which should allow higher duty cycle than it is rated.
Some other users found the actuator made in china on alibaba which is identical (at least the picture is) to the pelagic drive but a small fraction of the price.