Cat launches dual-fuel 1600 kW generator set

Caterpillar has introduced a new version of its large XQ2000 generator set that allows the use of a wide range of gaseous fuels without the need for recalibration.

The new Dynamic Gas Blending (DBG) system is designed for use with the 50 Hz, 1600 kW XQ2000 genset, driven by a Cat 3516B engine. The DGB automatically adjusts fuel quality and pressure, allowing the engine to run on fuels including gas and vaporized LNG with no loss of performance.

Cat said the engine maintains diesel performance levels with up to 70% replacement of diesel with gas, and accepts up to 55% inert gases. No customer input or gas analysis is needed during operation.

The genset – which will be available in the third quarter of 2014 - is described as ideal for developing and lesser regulated regions of the world. It will be sold through the global Cat dealer network and used in the international power projects (IPP) market. Caterpillar currently has alliances with five IPP providers globally.

“A key advantage of a DGB solution is its ability to burn lower quality gases than would be possible with a gas-only solution,” said Brian Kruse, Caterpillar Rental Power engineering manager. “This system allows customers with intermittent gas supplies to seamlessly switch between diesel and gas, resulting in significantly reduced owning and operating costs.”

It is technically possible to retrofit the DGB system to existing XQ2000 units in the field, but this is unlikely to be economic. Cat said there was no current plan to use the DGB system on other sizes of genset but that it would consider this if there was demand.

The DGB solution includes the EMCP4.3 and AGC-4 paralleling controller, which integrates the engine, generator and gas blending system.

“The fuel savings achieved with this system depend on a number of variables, including the application and the quality of the gas being used, as well as the pressure and available volume,” said John Hancock, Caterpillar Rental Power project manager.

“By fully automating the control system, we are able to maximise gas substitution for each operating point and gas condition, offering our customers the most fuel-efficient solution possible.”