Start Up

Start Up Introduction

This section describes the first startup of the Seakeeper.

Reference Documents & Drawings:
Link to Seakeeper 16/18 Reference Documents

• 90550 – Seakeeper 16/18 Operation Manual

• Previous sections for mechanical, electrical and cooling installation must be completed before this start up sequence is initiated.
• Before continuing, covers must be installed unless the Seakeeper is inaccessible and there is no risk to injury. Also, the area around the Seakeeper must be clear of personnel and equipment.

Start Up Instructions

1. Energize Seakeeper 24 VDC supply at the customer-supplied electrical disconnect.
2. Supply 208-230 VAC to Motor Drive Box at customer-supplied electrical disconnect.
3. Turn on the boat’s DC dedicated circuit breaker that supplies power to the DC seawater pump.
4. With system powered up check the display for any ALARMS. If there are any ALARMS present, they must be corrected first.
5. Press the Seakeeper ON/OFF Button on Display. The progress bar will appear and indicate how soon the Seakeeper will be available for stabilization. When the Seakeeper is initialized and up to minimum operating speed the stabilize button, will appear. At this point, the Seakeeper is available for stabilization.

6. The seawater pump should have started when the ON/OFF button on the display was depressed. Confirm pump operation and flow rate, if practical.  Required flow is 4 GPM (15 LPM) minimum and 8 GPM (30 LPM) maximum. The Seawater Pump will run for approximately 60 seconds and re-run at any given time when the Seakeeper reaches its temperature threshold (Approximately 131°F (55°C))
7. Verify that there are no ALARMS present. If an ALARM is present it will be displayed.
8. When the Seakeeper reaches its maximum operating speed where maximum stabilization is available, the progress bar will disappear and the Seakeeper is available for maximum stabilization. Press the stabilize button. The button will turn blue indicating that the Seakeeper is stabilizing the roll motion.

9. Verify that there are no ALARMS. If an ALARM is present it will be displayed.
10. Press the STABILIZE Button to turn stabilization off. Then press the Seakeeper ON/OFF Button to power the Seakeeper down.
11. During normal operation, the Seakeeper should be stopped when stabilization is no longer required.  This maximizes long term life as it allows the Seakeeper to start the coast down cycle before cooling is shutoff.  Once the vessel is secured in the slip and the crew has shut down the generator and engines, the AC and DC breakers that control the Seakeeper should be switched to the OFF position.  The Seakeeper will continue to spool down to 0 RPM.  No cooling is required during this time.  Note the Seakeeper 16 will take 4.5+ hours to coast down to 0 RPM from full speed. When the flywheel has stopped the display will indicate 0 RPM.