My hydrogenerator is producing less power. How to diagnosis the issue ?

If you are facing some loss of production with your hydrogenerator, please follow these quick steps to understand the issue.

• Please remind that the converter is reducing the charge when the batterie voltage is high
• Please be aware that the majority of charging issues are linked to a damaged connexion on the 3 phases line between the hydrogenerator and the batteries (check carefully the integrity of the cable going out of the hydrogenerator, check the connexion are not corroded)

Proceed the steps in the following order :

1. Check the power supply of the converter on the DC Line between the converter and batteries

• With the hydrogenerator out of the water : does the converter shows a slow pulsing light ?  (from green, to orange or red, depending on the batteries voltage)
  • If YES : the converter is connected to the batteries
  • If NOT : there is an issue on the DC line between the converter and batteries -> check the fuse, and all the connexions tot he batteries

2. Check the propeller turns easily by hand

• Check the propeller does not touch the black plastic cap -> if it does touch, please refer to this article : The propeller is touching the black plastic cap.
• Check the M5 screw that holds the propeller is well tightened
• Check that the propeller / shaft can turn easily with 2 fingers

3. Check the 3 phases line integrity

• Check the 3 phases cable arriving from the hydrogenerator is connected to the input "HYDRO" on the converter
• Check the electrical plug on the transom : it should be dry, without any corrosion and the conductor well tightened

If the converter shows 2 red flashes and/or the W&S app displays "Missing phase", please refer to this article to check the electrical resistances between the phases : Electrical resistance measure between phases for a transom mounted hydrogenerator ?

4. If Lithium batteries are installed : check the converter settings are well adapted for lithium batteries

Can I use Lithium batteries with the Watt&Sea converter ?

Settings for VICTRON Lithium batteries

5. If this diagnosis didn't help to locate an issue, please contact our technical team -> On the top right of this page, click on "After-sales form"