Waukesha, WI. Generac Power Systems, a designer and manufacturer of backup power generators, unveiled its new 500-kW natural-gas gen-set, now the largest unit in the company’s spark-ignited industrial generator line. Powering the new unit is a 25.8 L, 12-cylinder Generac engine that is turbocharged and aftercooled, producing a standby power rating of 500 kW and prime power rating of 450 kW.
Suitable for large standby power applications such as office buildings and mission critical data centers, the unit can be installed as a single engine generator set or as part of Generac’s Modular Power Systems if generator paralleling is required for increased reliability, redundancy, and flexibility, as well as greater scalability for future growth.
“This 500-kW node adds another dimension to our nat-gas product portfolio,” said Russ Minick, executive vice president of NAM sales for Generac Power Systems. “Not only does it increase our effectiveness in meeting the growing demand for spark-ignited products in the U.S., but it’s also attractive to many of the global markets we serve where diesel fuel quality is either low or the supply is limited.”
The demand for larger, clean-burning industrial generators continues to grow worldwide. Natural gas is a continuous, highly reliable fuel source even in the most common emergency situations. Additionally, it is recognized as a clean-burning fuel that meets EPA clean air standards, and—thanks to lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance—is often more cost-effective to operate than diesel-fueled alternatives.
Generac was honored this past year by Frost & Sullivan with the prestigious Company of the Year Award. The company was cited for its contributions to the North American natural gas gen-set industry, including product innovations that have made gaseous-fueled generators more powerful and increasingly cost-effective.
The gen-set is equipped with PowerManager digital controls, which provides access to constant monitoring capabilities, built-in protective alarms and isochronous speed control for increased accuracy. GenLink remote monitoring software is available as optional feature. The engine is rated 809 hp at 1800 rpm and is enclosed in a high performance, sound-absorbing enclosure.
