Caterpillar Delivers Increased Power And Reduced Operating Costs For G3512E And G3520E Gas Generator Sets
Caterpillar Inc. announces a series of performance enhancements for 50 Hz Cat G3512E and G3520E gas generator sets, as well as a new 60 Hz option now available for the G3520E. These improvements reduce total owning and operating costs for customers through higher power density, improved fuel efficiency and extended preventive maintenance intervals.
Designed for extended-duty distributed generation and combined heat and power (CHP) applications, G3512E and G3520E generator sets have been updated with enhancements to the engine and generator systems and include the new next-generation engine control system. As a result, they provide optimized performance to customers via increased electrical and thermal efficiency, enhanced altitude capability, improved transient performance capability, reduced oil consumption and extended oil change intervals.
Available now, the upgraded 50 Hz Cat G3512E gas generator set features a 20 percent improvement in power density over the previous model with a new output rating of 1200 ekW at 0.8 pf (1211 ekW at 1.0 pf). The full-load electrical efficiency has improved by nearly a full point to 42.3 percent.
The enhanced 50 Hz Cat G3520E offers an uprate to 2022 ekW at 0.8 pf (2043 ekW at 1.0 pf) with an increase in full-load electrical efficiency to 42.6 percent, while the 60 Hz version provides 2009 ekW at 0.8 pf (2026 ekW at 1.0 pf) with a full-load electrical efficiency of 42.2 percent.
"As global access to gas pipeline infrastructure increases, market demand for advanced, low-emission gas generator sets that offer reduced total owning and operating costs is also rapidly rising," said Willy Schumacher, Electric Power Gas general manager for Caterpillar Inc. "By enhancing the G3512E and G3520E generator sets with a comprehensive suite of technological improvements, Caterpillar has further strengthened its market-leading line of products for distributed generation and CHP applications."
Customers recovering engine heat for use in CHP applications can enjoy best-in-class thermal efficiencies for the G3512E and G3520E that result in total system efficiencies of up to 85.0 percent and 87.9 percent, respectively.
The latest engine design improvements have reduced average oil consumption of the G3512E and G3520E by 57 percent. Further, recommended oil change intervals have doubled from 1000 hours to 2000 hours. This delivers substantial savings in maintenance and repair costs over the life of the engine.
The precise control offered by the updated Gas Engine Control Module (GECM) allows these enhanced generator sets to meet NOx emission levels of 500 and 250 mg/Nm3 (1.0 and 0.5 g/bhp-hr). New software mapping in the engine controller extends Caterpillar's industry-leading transient performance in applications isolated from the utility grid, while new air and fuel controls improve altitude capability to deliver a unique combination of efficiency and performance.
Caterpillar is a leader in the power generation marketplace with power systems engineered to deliver unmatched durability, reliability and value. The company offers worldwide product support, with parts and service available globally through the Caterpillar authorized dealer network. In addition, dealer service technicians are trained to service every aspect of Cat equipment.
For more information, visit www.catelectricpowerinfo.com/pr or e-mail cat_power@cat.com. To interact with other power generation professionals in our online community, register at www.catelectricpowerinfo.com/connect.
About Caterpillar
For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2010 sales and revenues of $42.6B, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. For more information, visit www.cat.com.
SOURCE: Caterpillar Inc., Electric Power Division