16 cylinder 3 MW giant now available

Caterpillar has introduced the package genset configuration of its 16 cylinder C175 for standby, prime and continuous applications. It is available worldwide in 60 Hz packages with ratings up to 3.1 MW and 50 Hz packages with ratings up to 3.1 MVA. The package was designed to offer a larger unit rating, higher power density, lower emissions and reduced installation costs. It meets U.S. EPA Tier 2 requirements.

First unveiled two years ago, the C175 family of 1500 rpm, 400 V/11 kV diesel generator sets has completed rigorous field reliability demonstrations in working applications all around the world. Caterpillar say it has achieved more than 100 000 hours of proven reliability across all Caterpillar product lines, with over

60 000 hours in genset applications, the units having been used for duties ranging from distributed generation to prime power for remote communities, industrial processing plants and rock crushing applications.

The current C175 series is the result of a product development process that has a history of 10 years. The next year or so should see the introduction of 12 and 20 cylinder versions that will provide 2500 kVA, 2 MW and 4000 KVA, 3 MW respectively.

Five key engine systems comprise the Cat C175-16: fuel system, electronics and controls, air system, cooling system and lubrication system. Engineers incorporated significant input from ‘Voice of Customer’ market research into the design of these systems.

The fuel system utilises a high pressure fuel pump and control valve that deliver multiple precise injections within a single combustion event. This results in lower emissions, improved performance and reduced fuel consumption. The ADEM A4 controller driven engine management system is said to provide ‘superior performance, even in the most demanding environments’. Both hard-wired control signals and redundant data links offer reliable control and communication between engine systems.

The air system delivers cooler combustion air at the cross-flow cylinder heads, allowing for higher power density and emission reduction. A new generation of turbochargers was designed for the C175, providing a 5 % efficiency boost and longer life when compared to traditional turbochargers. A newly designed cooling system cools only the parts of the engine that require cooling, resulting in increased efficiency. lower heat rejection and the option of using smaller radiators.

The lubrication system utilises Cat Advanced High Efficiency oil filters which provide a higher level of filtration efficiency while maintaining capacity. By enhancing the lubrication system, the traditional 500 hour oil drain interval has been increased to 600 hours.