Caterpillar has launched the C175-20 generator set, a 4 MW, 20-cylinder beast which it claims produces the greatest power output of any single high-speed diesel genset available.
The US firm says the C175-20 also has the highest power density of any current high-speed genset. The C175-20 package is built on its C175 platform with the same core engine parts as the C175-16, which has been in use across the globe in a variety of applications since 2008.
As the new genset is built with the same basic engine design and to the same engineering targets, the C175-20 is as reliable and durable as the current C175-16 generator set, according to Robert Koval, Investors Projects general manager of Caterpillar Electric Power Division. The high power density of the C175-20 generator set provides more power from a smaller footprint.
A single 4 MW C175-20 represents a 55% reduction in footprint when compared with two, 2 MW 3516B generator sets and a 28 per cent reduction when compared with a 4 MW 3612.
“The C175-20 represents a true breakthrough in generator set technology,” said Koval. “Others have made promises about similar offerings, but the C175 is the largest high?speed generator on the market.”
Certified to EPA Stationary Emergency Tier 2 emissions limits, the C175-20 is a sustainable option for power generation. Caterpillar after-treatment solutions are available to further reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons and particulate matter. The new machine is also biodiesel compatible.
The C175-20 reduces owning and operating costs by extending maintenance intervals. For prime and continuous power generator sets, the oil change interval is 600 hours. For standby generator sets, a three-year oil change interval option is available. The first major overhaul for the C175-20 will be at 22 000 hours for the 60 Hz units and at 27 000 hours for the 50 Hz units.
