New MTU standby genset platform rolls out
19 September 2018The new MTU Onsite Energy genset, the 20V 4000 DS3600, is making commercial inroads, with more than 30 of the new machines already ordered for delivery in 2018. Most of the initial consignment, amounting to 75 MW in total, is destined for what is described as a “a global internet group”, to provide standby power for its European data centre.
Based on “enhanced” MTU Series 4000 engines from Rolls-Royce, the 20V 4000 DS3600 diesel genset is said to “significantly outperform previous offerings”, with a 10% uplift to around 3000 kW of electrical output (3730 kVA) in standby operation, and some 2700 kW of electrical output (3390 kVA) when generating prime power.
As already announced, there is also an even further enhanced version, the 20V 4000 DS4000 diesel genset, delivering roughly 16% more output, amounting to as much as 3200 kW of electrical output (4000 kVA of standby power), compared with previous machines.
At around 20 m2 footprint both units are said to “take up strikingly little space.”
Earlier models of the Series 4000 engine have a proven track record in power generation, with over 23 000 units sold. But steadily increasing electricity demands in mission-critical applications, eg, data centres, airports or hospitals, are creating a demand for ever more powerful engines.
Performance of the new MTU Onsite Energy machines has been boosted by optimising engine design to allow for a higher BMEP (brake mean effective pressure) in the cylinders, with a redesigned turbocharger and modified peripheral equipment with some “astutely matched” components.
The new engines can be operated at 85% of maximum power on average – a value which surpasses the requirements set out in ISO-8528-1 by 15%, says Andreas Görtz, director, Power Generation Business, Rolls- Royce Power Systems (owner of the MTU Onsite Energy brand), and in addition the genset “can run for up to 500 hours a year in its standby power role.” This “goes way beyond the 200 hours specified in the standard, as well”, notes Görtz.
The Series 4000 gensets comply with the guidelines of VDE (the German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) and are certified for mains parallel operation, which “allows users to feed power into the public grid at a profit as well as safeguarding supply in case of an emergency” and “is also a sensible approach to dealing with the increasingly common grid instabilities resulting from the use of renewables.”
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