GenSet HQ

Generator Set Engine Selection Tips Here I would like to share some engine selection tips for you to use when purchasing a gen-set. Large, reputable dealers will run through these as questions during the sales process.  In fact this is a bare minimum for questions when I am selling a generator. But some smaller suppliers […]

A Summary of Arc Flash In short, an Arc Flash is a form of electrical explosion. Electricity is both useful and dangerous; arc flash and electrocution being the major dangers.   The fun facts: Possible on low-voltage circuits of 480V or 600V (120V or 208V typically aren’t capable of arc flash) Even higher possibility on […]

Introducing the 4MW Caterpillar C175 Engine Today I investigated the introduction of the 4MW Caterpillar C175 engine for use in power generation. Closely related to the 16-cylinder 3MW C175-16, the C175-20 has a stand-by rating of 4.0MWe at 60Hz. The complete electrical packages from Cat Power Generation are only available at medium voltages of 4160V and 12470V. […]

Diesel engines from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in China In recent news there was an investment by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in China. Announced in the media and on the MHI website.  Mitsubishi has formed a joint venture with the Shanghai Diesel Engine Co. The engine range is from 500kW to 1600kW.  To me this means the six-cylinder engine […]

How to select optimal generator set enclosures When you are designing or purchasing a gen-set, the type of generator set enclosures used is an important consideration. If it’s cold outside, you want to be able to keep heat inside the enclosure. Maintenance access is important, especially in the winter. Cooling system performance is important in […]

Your guide to using diesel engine specification sheets So you’re developing a generator set and have selected a couple of engine manufacturers to power it.  You’ve got a design in mind and have your alternator selected.  Now the engine distributor’s sales or application people send you the diesel engine specification sheet.  It’s two or three […]

Major investment by Kohler Power Systems in Brazil A recent announcement shows an interest of Kohler Power Systems in Brazil. Brazil has been a strong market for industrial, construction, forestry, and agricultural equipment for a few years now. I am personally very excited about the potential for the power generation and industrial equipment market. This purchase by […]

How to understand diesel engine power ratings. There are many diesel engine power ratings for use in driving generator sets.  This post will allow you to understand them. The important ones that I will cover here are: Standby Emergency Standby Prime Power Continuous Peak Shaving Diesel Engine Power Ratings – Emergency, Standby, Prime, & Continuous […]

Electric Power Generation Terms Three major electric power generation terms you need to understand. Here you will explore Alternating Current AC electrical frequency, voltage (or electrical potential), and current (electrical flow). I will try my best to explain these concepts to beginners and provide links to further resources online. On this website I want to […]

Tognum acquires Aggretech In recent action, Tognum acquires Aggretech, a German generator set packager based in Bavaria. Being in Canada, I wasn’t totally aware of Aggretech’s product line up, but decided I had to look up their website. Their standard enclosed generator set packages are a beautiful product, and their testing facilities must be second […]