Clean Air Partners Dual-Fuel Technology Now Available for Diesel Gen-Set Peak Shaving
SAN DIEGO--Oct. 22, 2002--Based on the success of their patented Dual-Fuel(TM) Technology for trucking applications, Clean Air Partners (CAP) now offers the same benefits for diesel generators.
Like their trucking counterparts, Dual-Fuel(TM) equipped gen-set engines operate on both natural gas and diesel fuel. Advantages of the Dual-Fuel system include low nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions, low first cost, and reduced fuel costs. Redundancy is provided by seamless transition to diesel fuel when needed. In response to ever increasing legislative requirements and demands to reduce harmful emissions, CAP systems use diesel fuel as a pilot for combustion that ignites under the heat of compression to produce substantially less nitrous oxide and particulates than engines burning diesel alone without sacrificing diesel-like performance.
Steve Hall, CAP's general manager of power systems explained, "This technology allows us to obtain low emissions levels without after-treatment. In many emissions zones, CAP can retrofit a standby diesel gen-set and run it as a peak shaver for five times longer than it would be allowed to run as a diesel-only standby unit."
The concept of Dual-Fuel is fairly simple. Rather than using a spark plug ignition source, Dual-Fuel-equipped Caterpillar 3516 engines incorporate diesel pilot injection for compression ignition. Converting an existing engine to CAP's electronically controlled, fuel injection system requires minor and non-invasive external changes to the electronic diesel engine. If necessary, conversion back to straight diesel is relatively simple as well.
Because they operate at a constant speed, gen-sets for distributed generation applications are even easier to control for maximum efficiency and reduction of emissions. Conversion of stationary gen-sets offers an excellent opportunity to better utilize standby systems.
According to Hall, "Turning these idle assets into peak shavers is relatively inexpensive, which can make them very valuable when high peak electricity usage rate adjustments occur, such as in the summertime."
CAP currently offers new and used Dual-Fuel gen-sets as well as on-site conversions of existing diesel systems. At this time, new and used Caterpillar 3516 systems are available with power ratings of 1400kW and 1600kW. Conversions are available for existing installations of Caterpillar 3516 systems. Additional systems and conversion options for other engine types will be available in 2003.
New Systems: New Caterpillar gen-sets converted with Dual-Fuel components are assembled and tested at the CAP facilities in San Diego. Caterpillar's original equipment warranty covers the equipment and the conversion is further warranted by CAP.
Used Systems: Subject to availability, used gen-sets are converted for Dual-Fuel operation and tested at CAP's facilities. The equipment is covered by a written warranty.
On-Site Conversion: At customer sites, CAP can convert existing Caterpillar 3516 diesel engine gen-sets to low emission Dual-Fuel operation. The systems will provide continuous diesel ratings while maintaining their ability to serve as an emergency standby unit. Electronic controls are designed to interface with the engine governor and can safely control the gen-set remotely. Switchgear is available to provide soft transfer or full utility interconnection. Exhaust after-treatment systems are also available for applications with even more stringent emissions requirements. In a press release dated Sept. 16, 2002, CAP announced its acquisition of HIS Emissions Reduction Systems and currently offers all categories of SCR's and catalyst devices.
For more information on CAP's innovative Dual-Fuel solutions, contact Steve Hall at 858/332-4807.
Clean Air Partners was founded in 1991 to develop technologies that would allow diesel engines to operate with the low emissions benefits of natural gas while retaining the power, efficiency, longevity, and cost effectiveness of compression ignition engines. Since that time, CAP has broadened its scope to include a wider range of diesel and natural gas emissions reduction technologies and applications. CAP's time proven products, based on proprietary technologies from 31 active patents, are operating globally. More than 2,300 low emission vehicle and industrial systems are in service today. CAP's sub-components are used in low emission vehicles produced by some of the world's largest automotive and truck manufacturers. For more information about Clean Air Partners and its technologies, visit www.cleanairpartners.com.