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New C3000 Series genset Will Extend Cummins Power Generation Capability Up to 3.5-MW


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SEYMOUR, IN--Nov. 9, 2011 -- Cummins Power Generation, a business unit of Cummins Inc. , announced today a major leap forward in power capability with the new C3000 Series generator set offering up to 3.5 megawatts (MW). The C3000 Series incorporates the new Cummins QSK95 engine to set a new industry standard as the most powerful high-speed diesel genset. For multiple-set applications, the exceptionally high-output of the C3000 Series will increase power installation efficiency and realize higher economies of scale.

The C3000 Series genset is ideally suited to provide critical power protection for facilities requiring high-output gensets such as data centers, hospitals and utilities. In developing countries, the C3000 Series meets the need for high-output gensets to support gaps in the power grid infrastructure. For mining, oil and gas projects in remote locations, the need for dependable micro-grids generating cleaner, lower-cost power makes the C3000 Series an attractive option.

Equally impressive as the high power output of the C3000 Series genset is the ability to meet stringent EPA Tier 4 Final emissions taking effect in 2015. Cummins Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) aftertreatment system is intended to replace the exhaust muffler on the genset, offering a proven and highly flexible packaging solution.

The C3000 Series genset leverages Cummins "Power Of One" capability, with single-company design and manufacture of all key systems. The new QSK95 engine, alternator, controls and Tier 4 SCR aftertreatment have been developed simultaneously with the C3000 to deliver a fully integrated and highly optimized generator set. Performance validation work will continue during 2012, followed by a rigorous series of customer field tests during 2013 and 2014.

"The new C3000 Series genset with the QSK95 engine will change expectations of what can be achieved by high-speed diesel technology, marrying industry-leading power density with increased durability," said Tony Satterthwaite, President – Cummins Power Generation Business.

"Designed as a global product platform, the C3000 Series genset can be used anywhere in the world for standby, prime or continuous duty applications – with the ability to meet the toughest emissions requirements.

"The C3000 Series will mark the start of a new line of diesel- and gas-powered generator sets. When the larger QSK120 version of the QSK95 engine becomes available, this will extend our product line beyond 4 megawatts. Our natural gas-powered product line will be designed specifically for gas, not just a derivative of the diesel product line," added Satterthwaite.

At 3.5-MW output, the C3000 Series will have the highest power rating available in a high-speed diesel genset. Compared with larger medium-speed gensets, the C3000 Series provides a footprint reduction of 30 percent to 40 percent, and a lower capital cost.

Performance Optimized

Flexible customized packaging based on standard configurations will be available with the C3000 Series. Performance can be optimized among fuel consumption, transient response and emissions reduction to suit different application needs.

The C3000 Series genset will seamlessly fit within Cummins large-power project expertise, with individual projects designed and commissioned with up to 260 MW installed power. Cummins Power Generation has invested heavily in switchgear and transfer switch capability to support these highly complex power projects.

The C3000 Series genset will be tested in the recently opened Acoustical Testing Center (ATC) at the Fridley, Minn., headquarters of Cummins Power Generation. The largest engine-testing facility of its kind in the world, the ATC testing helps eliminate any external noise interference with a state-of-the-art hemi-anechoic (no echo) chamber, allowing for the precise measurement of noise output from the fully assembled genset.

QSK95 Engine

For power generation applications, the new QSK95 engine can deliver the power for 3.5 MW of electricity. The 95-liter engine enables fast ramp-up to maximum power for the C3000 Series genset due to faster transient response from four compact turbochargers. The QSK95 Modular Common-Rail System (MCRS), with up to 2200-bar high-pressure fuel injection, results in smoother, quieter and more fuel-efficient operation.

The impressive power density of the QSK95 is made possible with immense strength at the heart of the engine due to a hardened power cylinder and a single-piece forged-steel piston. Increased life-to-overhaul and multiple-rebuild capability significantly lower the total life cycle cost of the engine.

Uptime availability is increased with faster servicing procedures with easy access to all cooling, oil and fuel system maintenance points on the engine. Service intervals are a minimum 500 hours, with the option of much-extended oil change intervals available.

About Cummins Power Generation

Cummins Power Generation, a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. , is a global leader dedicated to increasing the availability and reliability of electric power around the world. With more than 90 years' experience, its global distributor network in over 190 countries delivers innovative solutions for any power need – commercial, industrial, recreational, emergency and residential. Products include alternators, generator-drive engines and pre-integrated power systems, combining generator sets and power control and transfer technologies. Services range from system design, project management, operations and maintenance contracts to development of turnkey power plants.

About Cummins Inc.

Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins employs approximately 40,000 people worldwide and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a network of more than 600 company-owned and independent distributor locations and approximately 6,000 dealer locations. Cummins earned $1.0 billion on sales of $13.2 billion in 2010.