Caterpillar, Woodward promote gas engine research program

Caterpillar Inc. and Woodward Governor Co. recently made significant donations to Colorado State University's Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory (EECL) to assist the lab's development efforts toward low emission, high efficiency gas engines.

The new Distributed Power Generation Research Center, created in conjunction with the donations, will conduct research on distributed power generation, including projects aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of the electrical power grid. The center, located near the CSU campus in Fort Collins, Colo., is the first of its kind in the U.S., according to the major stakeholders.

Caterpillar donated its newest natural gas-powered G3516C, a 60 Hz engine capable of producing 1.6 MW of power. The G3516C represents Cat's latest gas engine technology, including features developed through the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Advanced Reciprocating Engine Systems (ARES) program. Both Caterpillar and Woodward will use the engine platform via EECL staff to further advance product research and development.

The EECL was founded by CSU professor Bryan Willson in 1992, and is dedicated to engine research programs relating to large engines, natural gas engines, two-stroke engines and hazardous air pollutantsThe expectation of Caterpillar is that this relationship will continue to use the expertise and what we call 'technically adventurous' CSU staff and students led by professor Willson to continuously improve the efficiency and emissions signature of natural gas engine technology, which is currently one of the most efficient methods for producing distributed power," commented Kevin Bruch, division manager for Engine Research at Caterpillar.

"Distributed power generation technology is key to reliably meeting the growing power needs of our communities, without building new high-voltage power lines," added Tom Gendron, president and CEO of Woodward. "We are pleased to be working with Caterpillar and Colorado State to help launch this effort"

Woodward donated $150,000 to install the engine in the lab and prepare it for the first phase of testing.

"Woodward became involved with the EECL a few months after its founding in 1992, as part of a multicompany research project to help reduce emissions from engines used in the natural gas pipeline industry," Gendron noted. "Since then, Colorado State and Woodward have collaborated on at least three additional research projects at the facility."

Rudy Stanglmaier, a mechanical engineering assistant professor, will manage the new center within the EECL. In the first phase, researchers and industry representatives will work to make an already efficient engine even more efficient, while further reducing exhaust emissions. During Phase 2, they hope to develop a distributed power facility that would couple the engine to a generator, connect it to the grid and test it in conjunction with utilities such as Fort Collins Light and Power and the Platte River Power Authority.

"We are thrilled to be working with two industry giants on this unique facility" said Stanglmaier. "We want to be at the forefront of advances in this technology because interest in this sector is expected to grow rapidly."