Generac Power Systems has standardized upon its 9.0 L engine across all 100 – 150 kW gaseous-fueled industrial configured gensets. The Generac 9.0 L engine already drives the 100 kW unit; it is now being incorporated into the company’s 130 and 150 kW generators. The move is expected to yield improved turn-around times, easier serviceability, and better power density across the line.

“Standardizing engines across several nodes—like we’ve done with the 100 through 150 kW units — will make all of these units easier to service,” said Mike Sparr, product manager, Generac. “Techs will be able to carry more common parts and will have fewer engine models to troubleshoot. And because the 9.0 L engine has the best published power density in the industry on these nodes, they will experience less wear and tear. Plus our manufacturing processes will be further streamlined, making our already fast turn-around times even better.”

The 100 – 150 kW generators are direct drive, with both the engine and alternator operating at 1800 RPM. This results in less wear and tear on the engine, and also contributes to lower sound levels.

Generac’s 9.0 L engine is a turbocharged, after-cooled V8 manufactured at the Generac facility in Eagle, Wis. Because there are no mass-produced spark-ignited engines on the market today built specifically for use with gaseous fuel, Generac engineers and builds the 9.0 L engine from the block up to accommodate gaseous fuel. As the designer and manufacturer of the engine, Generac secures several regulatory certifications right at the factory. All 100 – 150 kW generators are factory EPA certified for stationary emergency power and SCAQMD (California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District) certified.

Other features of the 100 - 150 kW gaseous-fueled generators include:

• 7-14” H₂O fuel pressure
• Listed to UL2200
• Certified to CSA C22.2
• Available in open-set, weather-protected, and Level 1/Level 2 sound attenuated enclosures
• Available in Generac’s Modular Power System (MPS) configuration
• Controlled by Generac’s hardened PowerManager^® control platform

Gaseous fuel — particularly natural gas — continues to be increasingly popular in spark-ignited backup power applications. Below 150 kW, it is a very cost-competitive alternative to diesel-fueled systems. Refueling is not necessary to achieve long running times, it doesn’t require the kind of costly maintenance necessary in diesel fuel backup power systems, and it has cleaner burning characteristics when compared to diesel. Natural gas is also gaining acceptance by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for mission-critical backup power applications.

Generac is currently taking orders for the 130 and 150 kW gaseous-fueled generators, and is expected to begin shipping in October, 2014.