Friday, March 23, 2007

Cat introduces low-energy fuel natural gas gen-sets

Caterpillar Inc. has introduced two versions of its Cat G3520C natural gas-fueled generator sets designed specifically for applications using low-energy fuels, such as landfill, digester and coal seam gas.

The generator sets include 20-cylinder, electronically controlled, leanburn natural gas engines coupled with two bearing synchronous generators.

The new gen-sets are available in a 60 Hz configuration operating at 1200 rpm and rated at 1.6 MW, with an ISO mechanical efficiency of 41.5% with water pumps and standard N[O.sub.x] emissions rated at 0.5 or 1.0 g/bhp-hr, Cat said.

Also available is a 50 Hz configuration operating at 1500 rpm and rated at 2.0 MW, with ISO mechanical efficiency of 40.6% with water pumps and standard N[O.sub.x] emissions rated at 250 or 500 mg/N[m.sup.3].

Both models have low-pressure fuel systems (0.5 to 5 psi/3.5 to 35 kPa) designed for efficient operation on low-energy fuels and eliminate the need for fuel compressors. The engines are specially designed to account for fuel variability and fuel impurities and thus operate without intensive fuel treatment systems. "These generator sets are designed to enable highly efficient and reliable operation on low-energy fuels, delivering electricity at extremely competitive cost per kWh, with significantly longer overhaul intervals and lower maintenance costs per kwh," said Michael A. Devine, gas product marketing manager for the Electric Power Group of Caterpillar Inc.

For applications in which fuel purity is a concern, a specially designed cooling system elevates jacket water temperature from the traditional 210[degrees]F to 230[degrees]F, helping to prevent condensation on engine components and the formation of acids in the presence of fuel-borne impurities, such as hydrogen sulfide and halogens.

The elevated jacket water temperature in combination with positive crankcase ventilation also limits acid development in the lube oil, further protecting components and helping to extend oil-change intervals. The low-pressure crankcase ventilation system ejects potentially acidic blow by gases and draws in fresh, filtered air.

To further safeguard against fuel-borne corrosive agents, many components in the engine have been designed to resist corrosion. Aftercooler cores are stainless steel, improving service life and performance in landfill applications, Devine said. He added that rear geartrain bushings have also been modified to improve service life. Valve and valve seat angles have been designed to control the formation of silicon deposits.

Other features of the new G3520C low-energy-fuel generator sets include cylinder-by-cylinder detonation sensing. Further, the SCADA-compatible ADEM III digital microprocessor control is designed for automatic regulation of ignition, engine governing and air/fuel ratio, resulting in what Cat said is optimum fuel economy and stringent N[O.sub.x] emissions control. A patent-pending air/fuel ratio control based on charge-air density, is designed to maintain N[O.sub.x] within tight tolerances under most ambient and load conditions.

More quiet power: Terex expands Super Quiet gen-set line; 36 kW unit targets rental, construction applications

Terex Light Construction has expanded its Super Quiet generator set line with the introduction of a new model targeted toward rental and construction site applications. With a prime power output of 36 kW (45 kVa), the T45 gen-set helps fill out the lower half of the Super Quiet range that spans a total output of 16 to 325 kW (20 to 406 kVa).

The T45 gen-set is powered by a four-cylinder, turbocharged Tier 2 complaint Isuzu 4JGIT engine rated 66 hp at 1800 rpm. The engine package also includes a Denso radiator with an adjustable pitch Breeza fan, Woodward electronic governor system, Nelson muffler, Donaldson air cleaner, Racor fuel water separator and AmeriStart lead acid battery. The power unit is packaged by Engines Plus Inc., Springfield, Mo., which designs and assembles power units for Isuzu PowerTrain and its distributors.

The engine drives a brushless, four-pole Newage/Stamford synchronous single bearing generator with Class H insulation. The T45 generator can deliver both single- and three-phase power simultaneously. Three-phase service is available on the distribution side of the unit, while single-phase receptacles are offered on the control panel, all of which allow the operator to run both power sources at the same time. Three-phase power is available at 208, 220, 240, 416, 440 and 480 V, with 600 V output available as an option. Standard single-phase outputs are 120, 127, 139, 240, 254 and 277 V.

The control panel incorporates a series of VDO analog gauges that aid in monitoring both engine and generator status and functions. Engine gauges display water temperature, oil pressure, engine hours, fuel level and battery voltage. Power output gauges indicate volts, amps and frequency. A DynaGen E852 engine control module provides automatic shutdown in case of a fault or hazardous engine condition. Auto start/stop capability is standard on all Terex Super Quiet generators.

All of the Super Quiet generators come with a five-lug distribution board that has the ground connection in the distribution panel with the other connections. A recessed plug connector in the control panel allows for connection of a range of equipment needing external power sources, such as block heaters and battery chargers. A voltage adjust potentiometer switch, also accessible from the panel, allows selection of desired voltages. The switch is lockable to prevent damage by changing voltages while the unit is running.

The T45 generator has a 64 gal. fuel tank that provides a run 6me of 29 hours at 75% load, the company said. The fuel tank is incorporated into the base structure of the generator and the base also incorporates a containment system that will capture and hold 110% of all finds used--including engine oil and coolant--with no discharge to the environment.

To reduce noise emissions, the engine and generator sections, including the muffler, are completely enclosed within a sound-attenuated housing that incorporates an overlapping design in which the hood overlaps the side panels and the side panel overlaps the sides of the base. This design, Terex said, eliminates gaps that can allow noise to escape.

A new rear louver panel assembly is designed to provide single-direction airflow through the housing, which reduces average noise levels and also reduces corrosion hot spots, the company said. The T45 gen-set offers sound ratings at load of 65 dB(A) at 23 ft., Terex said.

The louvers are constructed of painted aluminum for long-lasting corrosion prevention and are overlapped to prevent rain from being pulled into the housing. The rear inside panel is covered with half-inch perforated wire mesh to keep out other unwanted debris.

Like other Terex trailer-mounted gen-sets, the T45 is built onto a heavy-duty DOT-approved trailer with a full light package, and bolt-on fenders. The heavy-gauge steal flame allows the generator to be set with the flame rails, giving the package a lower profile and providing easier towing.

"Everything is set up to give easy access for service," said John Gibbons, marketing manager for Terex Light Construction. "If you look at how the doors on this model are designed, it's almost like one door extending from one end to the other.

"Because of that, you have better access to the battery, we installed the Racor unit up higher and moved the connections over so you can put a container underneath when you want to drain it. We've got valves that let you drain the antifreeze and change it for the season and we've got a 1 in. ball valve for changing the oil.

"On the power side, everything is closed. On most competitive sets, you see a lot of exposed wires and if you open the unit up and run a pressure washer over it--something you know happens in the field--eventually, there are going to be problems. Everything on our units is precision enclosed. We've even got weep holes down on the bottom that let the water drain out in areas when spill containment is not an issue.

Tapping into the midsized market

In a move aimed at strengthening its presence in the construction and utility equipment markets, Ingersoll-Rand Co. has introduced a flurry of products focused specifically toward reaching the midsized construction contractor. While this isn't a new market segment for Ingersoll-Rand, it does expect to tap into a larger portion of this $4.6 billion segment by significantly expanding this area of its product portfolio.

"To reach this midsized market, we intentionally designed our new product line to align with the size and capacity range typically used by this customer group in their applications," said Terry Dolan, vice president for sales and marketing for the Davidson, N.C.-based company.

Dolan said the company was looking to leverage what he called its three powerhouse brands--Ingersoll-Rand, Bobcat and Club Car--to really understand the midsized market it was going after. As part of this process, the company looked at what it was currently able to offer throughout its internal channels and what it needed to do to build its product portfolio up to meet the demands of the market.

Under the Ingersoll-Rand brand, the company introduced the WL-350 and WL-440 wheal loaders. The loaders are powered by 3.1 L, four-cylinder, direct injection 2011 Deutz diesel engines rated 60 and 73 hp, respectively. They feature a rear-mounted engine packaged with Bondioli & Pavesi Fira radiator, Mann+Hummel air cleaner and a two-speed Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic drive system. The drive is rear-mounted and powers ZF axles with limited slip differential and [+ or -] 12[degrees] of rear oscillation. The loaders have dynamic braking, 40[degrees] articulated steering through a Casappa gear pump steering system, Unideck dash gauges and a hydraulic quick coupler. Maximum dump height for the two machines is 8.3 and 8.6 ft. and standard bucket capacity is 1.2 and 1.4 cu.yd. The wheel loaders are manufactured in Langenburg, Germany, and sourced through Ingersoll-Rand's Mocksville, N.C. facility.

Also manufactured in Langenburg, are the new ZX-75 and ZX-125 hydraulic excavators. The zero tail swing excavators are powered by four-cylinder turbocharged 1012 and 2012 Deutz diesel engines rated 72 and 94 hp, respectively. The 3.1 and 4.0 L engines drive two independently powered hydraulic track drives, in both steel or rubber track configurations, through Bosch Rexroth pumps, valves and final drive motors. The motors are incorporated within a planetary reduction gearbox for added protection, Ingersoll-Rand said.

A Casappa swing motor provides the excavators' 360[degrees] rotational capability, while Schaeff-Terex cylinders power the boom and bucket functions, controlled by the operator through a Bosch Rexroth joystick. Maximum dig depth is 13.9 ft. and 15.3 ft. Operating weight is 16,538 and 27,563 lb., respectively.

Ingersoll-Rand also upgraded its BL-275, BL 370 and BL-570 backhoe loaders. The new B Series loaders, Ingersoll-Rand said, are ideal for application in utility installation, landscaping, rental, general construction and repair work thanks to being designed as a dedicated loader backhoe machine with a permanent backhoe rather than a bolt-on attachment. This creates a stronger and tougher machine, the company said. In addition, on the BL-275 model, the backhoe has a side-shift design that allows it to operate in confined areas, said Ingersoll-Rand.

All three backhoe loaders am equipped with Kubota liquid-cooled diesel engines rated 31.5, 46 and 56 hp at 2800 and 3000 rpm. The BL-275 is powered by a 1.12 L, three-cylinder D1105 engine; the BL-370 has a 2.2 L, four-cylinder V2203 diesel; and the BL-570 is powered by a 2.2 L, four-cylinder turbocharged V2003 engine. The engines are packaged with AKG radiators and Denso alternators.

The engines power Bosch Rexroth hydrostatic systems that provide four-wheel drive and all-wheel steering. Braking is dynamic and the machines are also equipped with Tuthill parking brakes. Two-way flow auxiliary hydraulics operate the loader and backhoe buckets. Dig depth for the machines ranges from 10.5 to 12 ft. and breakout force ranges from 4250 to 9297 lb.

Ingersoll-Rand manufactures the B series backhoe loaders at its facility in the Czech Republic.

The Ingersoll-Rand midsize machine line-up has been further boosted by the new VR-638 telescopic tool carrier. The tool carrier is available in three variations: a cost-effective rental model, a deluxe open canopy style and a fully loaded owner-operator version. In all configurations the VR-638 includes a side-mounted 4.4 L, four-cylinder Tier 2 Perkins 1104-44T turbocharged diesel engine rated 100 hp. Other components include Mann+ Hummel air cleaner, two-speed Sauer-Danfoss hydrostatic drive, Carraro axles and Titan tires.

Basler gen-set controller adds protection, event recording

Basler Electric has introduced a new version of its DGC-500 integrated digital generator set controller. Launched in 2002, the DGC-500 has seen a continuous series of improvements since its introduction, including the addition of a SAE J1939 interface last year to meet the needs of the ever-changing gen-set market. The new controller is now in production and made its debut at the Power Gen Show.

Introduced in 2002, the DGC-500 controller is designed to provide integrated engine-generator set control, protection and metering in a single package, Basler said. The market for the DGC500 is primarily standby generator sets, with the system having been applied on sets from 10 kW to greater than 1 MW.

Further, the microprocessor-based technology is designed for exact measurement, set-point adjustment and timing functions, Basler said. Because of the low sensing burden in the DGC-500, neither dedicated potential transformers nor current transformers are required. Late last year, Basler added a higher performance microprocessor to the DGC-500 along with additional memory capabilities.

Now the DGC-500 has added a standard event log, with a real-time clock that retains a history of events in non-volatile memory. Up to 30 event types are retained and each record contains a time stamp (the time stamp is selectable for either time/date or engine run hours) and the number of occurrences for each event, said Larry Perez, marketing product line manager for Basler, Highland, Ill. The other new feature added to the DGC-500 is an optional multi-function generator protection package. "We have the ability to offer the customer more efficiency in that they don't have to mount and wire another protective device now, it's already integrated into the system," Perez said.

The new generator protection guards against generator overvoltage, undervoltage, underfrequency, overfrequency, overcurrent and phase imbalance. Further, Perez said, each generator protection function has an adjustable pickup and time delay setting. Sixteen inverse time curves enable the DGC-500 to offer overcurrent protection in a variety of applications.

"The generator overcurrent relay is a pretty sophisticated device. It has 16 time-current curves to select from, which is very much like our utility grade products in that you can very precisely coordinate that overcurrent element with the machine and loads downstream," Perez said.

"The event recording ties everything together," he added. "It ties the J1939, the engine protection capabilities, as well as the generator protection together into a single event recorder, which is unique. You usually have to go to at least two different places to find out what went on--this brings everything together."

In 2003, Basler added an optional, SAE J1939 interface that provides high-speed communication between the DGC-500 and the engine control unit on an electronically controlled engine. This interface provides access to oil pressure, coolant temperature, and engine speed data by reading these parameters directly from the ECU. When available, engine diagnostic data can also be accessed via the engine's diagnostic trouble codes.

Green trucking: the Tokyo commercial vehicle show is a showcase for future emission-reducing technologies

Tokyo -- The 38th Tokyo Motor Show, the final dedicated to commercial vehicles, produced few surprises and little in the way of breakthrough technology. Still Japanese truckmakers put more than 100 vehicles on display including an array of hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

Mitsubishi-Fuso Truck & Bus Corp.

Mitsubishi-Fuso Truck & Bus Corp., still reeling from a series of costly recalls, exhibited a hybrid Canter truck that complies with Japan's new diesel emission standards that go into effect this year (2005). The truck, a parallel hybrid with an "idle-stop" system, is powered by a 3.0L turbocharged diesel engine and 35kW motor built into the transmission which draws power from a 300-volt manganese-lithium battery. The combined effect: a 30 percent increase in fuel economy.

The truck's "4M42T" engine is equipped with common-rail injection and exhaust gas recirculation systems which, linked to a continuously regenerating diesel particulate filter, substantially reduce emissions of N[O.sub.x] and particulates.
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. supplies the Canter's "idle-stop" system; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi Ltd., its compact motor and secondary battery; and Exedy Corp. (the former Daikin Manufacturing Co.), the truck's electronically controlled automatic transmission (called INOMAT-II).

Although no decision has yet been made on price, management indicated that it would probably list the model for roughly the same price as Hino Motors' hybrid Dutro, thus around [yen] 42 million ($40,300). The company plans to introduce the model in early 2006 with expected sales of 100 units per month during the first year on the market. Initially, the model will be available only in Japan although management is studying the feasibility of eventually selling it in the U.S. and Australia. No time frame was offered.

Other Mitsubishi-Fuso models on display included a "high-roof" dump truck based on the company's Super Great model and a concept tractor that features a crushable front safety bumper, all-wheel disc and anti-lock brakes, single-rear tires, LED headlamps, a pedestrian monitoring system and color rearview mirrors. The model's aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of 0.43 cd, contributes to a 10 percent savings in fuel consumption.

Hino Motors Ltd.

Hino Motors Ltd., Japan's top producer of heavy-duty trucks, displayed a hybrid version of the medium-duty Hino 165 (sold in the U.S. through Hino Motor Sales USA Inc.) and a special show model of the light-duty Dutro Hybrid that features a crane for elevated work. The Dutro Hybrid, a parallel type which went on sale in November 2003, runs off a 4.0L diesel engine and electric motor. A Hino executive projects yearly sales of 5,000 units in five years' time.

Other Hino "hybrids" on display included a concept van named the Global, a Ranger truck--and a pair of buses--the Blue Ribbon and a S'Elega R. The current S'Elega R, a custom bus, is equipped with a lead-acid battery. Researchers confirmed that the next generation will employ a more powerful lithium-ion unit. Through 2004, Hino had sold only 60 units in large part due to its [yen] 48 million ($460,000) price tag.

Hino also displayed three advanced safety vehicles including a long-haul concept truck a city truck and the Profia tractor (which was displayed at the 11th ITS World Congress in Nagoya one month earlier).

Isuzu Motors Ltd.

Isuzu Motors Ltd. displayed more than half a dozen vehicles including a series of low-emission Elf trucks. Among these a diesel hybrid powered by a 4.8L "4HLI" engine and electric motor-generator and a unit modified to run on dimethyl ether, a natural gas derivative that contains no particulates.

Isuzu, still owned 12 percent by General Motors Corp., also displayed a series of low-emission trucks and powertrains including a 4-cylinder diesel engine and 6-cylinder diesel engine that comply with Japan's new diesel emission regulations scheduled to go into effect in 2005 along with diesel particulate defuser.

For medium- and heavy-duty trucks like the Isuzu Forward or Hino Profia, which weigh in excess of 3,700 kg (8,140 pounds) those standards are 0.027 gram per km for particulate matter, 2.0 grams per km for N[O.sub.x], 2.22 grams per km for carbon monoxide; and 0.17 gram per km for hydrocarbons.

Nissan Diesel Motor Co.

Nissan Diesel Motor Co. displayed a new heavy-duty, the Quon, that features the company's "FLENDS" fuel injection system. FLENDS (standing for Final Low Emission New Diesel System) has adopted a series of ultra-high pressure injectors for the company's 13L, 6-cylinder "GE-13" engine with an exhaust gas aftertreatment system that uses urea solution.

EGSA 2005 buyer's guide: guide to member products, rentals & services

How to use this Buyers' Guide: Listed here are the EGSA Member Companies that Sell, Rent and/or Service the products in each category, based on information supplied by the Electrical Generating Systems Association. Manufacturer members (MF) are likely to offer products and services nationally or internationally. Distributor/Dealer members (DD) and Manufacturers' Representatives members (MR) are likely to offer the products and services on a more regional basis. For full contact information on the companies listed, please refer to the Membership Directories that follow this section. The Manufacturer (MF) Directory starts on page 76. The Distributor/Dealer (DD) Directory starts on page 89. The Manufacturers' Representatives (MR) Directory starts on page 108, and The Associate (Ax) Directory starts on page 112.

New digital generator set controller

Basler Electric, Highland, Ill., has developed a generator set control system designed to allow any generator set manufacturer to get into the age of digital communications easily and economically. The model DGC-2000 controller is a microprocessor-based digital gen-set controller that provides all of the engine cranking, engine protection and generator set metering capabilities of a conventional engine controller, while allowing user access to a wide range of information.

The DGC-2000 controller comes complete with Windows-based PC communications software, where monitoring and start/stop control of the gen-set can be accomplished via a rear-mounted RS232 communications port. By adding a modem, the gen-set can be accessed from virtually anywhere in the world - simply bring up the DGC-2000 software on a PC and the software will dial the appropriate phone number. With the proper password, an operator can start/stop the gen-set and monitor the status of up to 30 gen-set operating points and 19 alarm/pre-alarm functions.

The controller's software is designed to be easy to use and provides accurate real-time information of the gen-set under control, according to the company, with screens provided to allow for setting a total of 61 parameters. A highly adjustable unit, the DGC-2000 controller also allows for file transfer capability so if multiple machines have the same settings, they can be saved to a file and then downloaded to each DGC-2000 controller in a matter of seconds. This capability, the company said, offers an accurate method for setting up similar generator sets, allowing the input of specific machine information such as serial numbers and job site information.
Additionally, the RS232 communications port can also be converted through readily available converters to RS485, thus facilitating communications with up to 247 DGC-2000 units at distances of up to 4000 ft. through a single communications loop. This permits a local communications network on those facilities where multiple distributed gen-sets are used. The communications network allows for one master PC to individually control up to 247 generator units.

Basler Electric has incorporated a Modbus communications protocol that is widely used in the industry. This is an open protocol that can be adapted to any Modbus application. The company provides a complete listing of the Modbus registers to allow for total access to all information provided by the DGC-2000 controller. An open protocol like Modbus allows for the most flexibility possible and prevents the end-user from being limited from future expansion, the company noted.

The DGC-2000 controller replaces all of the functions normally found in a conventional top-mount metering and control package, according to the company, providing for all the metering, engine protection and engine cranking controls normally required on gen-set applications. It has adjustable tripping thresholds for 19 alarms and pre-alarms, along with 13 output relays for engine control and shutdown functions. It has contact inputs for air box status, emergency stop, automatic transfer switch, battery charger failure and low coolant level. It has inputs for senders for oil pressure, coolant temperature and fuel level. It also accepts three phases of generator voltage and current and a charging alternator input as a back-up speed signal source in case of a magnetic pick-up loss. The unit also monitors the bus voltage and frequency for paralleled generator applications.

If the gen-set needs to be operated locally, the DGC-2000 controller is equally suitable for local gen-set control. It features an easy-to-read front panel that has all the user-friendly functionality and clearly displayed information needed for complete operation of the gen-set, Basler said. The front panel has a back-lit LCD display that has eight gen-set parameters permanently displayed and also has the ability to scroll through 30 total parameters. Front panel LED indication includes Unit Not In Auto, Gen-Set Supplying Load, Run, Off and Auto modes. There are also front panel push buttons for phase toggle, alarm reset, alarm silence, run, off, auto, and display navigation. The DGC-2000 controller also has a standard alarm horn rated at 80 db at 2 ft.