Meeting low emissions rules for larger engines

Cummins Power Generation has launched six new diesel generator sets in the half megawatt class powered by its tried and trusted QSX15 engine. They are part of a range that meets improved emission standards, but at the same time, says Cummins, offers very efficient fuel consumption figures and enhanced levels of control via the company’s newly developed PowerCommand box.

These gensets have been optimised, says their maker, for stationary standby and prime power applications in terms of performance, reliability and versatility. Four of the new models (C400D5e, C450D5e, C500D5e and C550D5e) are compliant with EU Stage II emissions regulations, which for off road constant speed engines of this size come into force in January 2011. These models range from 400 to 550 kVA at 50 Hz. Two further models (C450D6e and C500D6e) are available with US EPA Tier 2 emission regulation compliance. These two models will supply 450 kW and 500 kW respectively at 60 Hz. The 15 litre QSX15 engine is compact and light, giving it a good power–to–weight ratio compared to most other engines in its class.

The generators are supplied with PowerCommand 2.2 as standard, which features remote start/stop, precise frequency and voltage regulation, alarm and status message display, AmpSentry protection, output metering and auto–shutdown. The more advanced PowerCommand 3.3 is an option offering fully-featured paralleling control. These two supersede the PCC2100 and PCC3201. The controllers are structured to ease the upgrading process to paralleling controls in the field. In addition, the PowerCommand 3.3 control may be paired with an optional factory installed motorised circuit breaker, a combination designed to lower total system costs. All models have a 900 litre fuel tank equivalent to more than eight operational hours and offer two other options, a low noise solution (noise level (79 dBA at 1 metre at 75% load for the enclosed model) and a 50°C ambient cooling package. The latter is intended to ensure that the generators operate efficiently in widely varying locations, from Northern Europe and Russia, to the Middle East and Africa.