Asia’s first installation of the recently introduced Cummins DQZM genset range has been commissioned in a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Singapore in a critical mains paralleling application.
The installation features three sets each continually rated at 2125 kW. It is the first installation in Asia of the DQZM genset range which is powered by Cummins’ recently launched QSZ engines.
The three 2500 kVA sets have been installed at Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing’s (CSM) facility to provide critical standby power, where even a 15 s failure can mean significant costs in lost production.
The order for the 2300DQZM sets was won by Singapore-based Petbow Far East and followed the company’s earlier success with an order for three 1250 kVA Cummins-powered sets at CSM’s adjacent manufacturing facility. Each genset is powered by a QSZ90 Vee12 diesel engine which operates at 1500 r/min.
Installed in a purpose-designed plantroom, all three sets provide standby power for critical semiconductor clean air production equipment, water and waste gas treatment plants, and support systems such as fire protection, vacuum and exhaust systems.
If a mains failure occurs, set number one will automatically start and will run on to full load within 10 s. Set two or three will then start within 5 s of the failure and will automatically parallel with set one.
However, if there is a mains failure in more than one of the switchboards, all three sets will automatically start together and share loads.
On return to the mains, the sets will continue in parallel with the mains supply for the respective loads for five minutes to ensure continuation of a stable supply. The installation is controlled by Cummins’ Power Command control system which enables complete networking and communications for monitoring and control of the power system.
The installation also features remote radiators which were installed on the plant room roof due to space constraints. Each radiator incorporates 20 fan units for each set for low noise and high efficiency.
In addition, noise attenuators and acoustically treated exhaust silencers ensure that the standby installation meets a noise level of 85 dB(A) at 1 m.
Once in full production, the new facility will produce almost 33 000 semiconductor wafers per month. Already a fourth plant, costing over $1.4 billion, is being planned to meet the continuing world demand for semiconductor chips.
