RER recently interviewed generator manufacturers to learn about the latest trends and innovations. Here, RER talks to Cummins Power Generation’s Larry Fetting, general manager, global rental segment, about the impact of Tier 4 Final emissions regulations, the necessity of an easy-to-use control panel and the increased demand for telematics
RER: What are some of the key features a rental generator must have?
Fetting: The top features that rental generators must have are quiet operation, a large onboard fuel tank, adequate cooling capacity for the operating environment and operational flexibility. At Cummins Power Generation, we try to balance these desirable attributes because sometimes, too much sound attenuation can interfere with cooling capacity. And, a large onboard fuel tank can sometimes make the enclosure package larger than the customer wants. Operational flexibility means the generators have to be easy to operate, allow simple cable connections and have switchable voltage outputs. Of course, beginning in 2014, new rental generators in certain size ranges will be required to meet EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. EPA Tier 4 Final rental generators from Cummins will have SCR aftertreatment systems but will not require diesel particulate filters (DPF) — reducing maintenance and keeping enclosures as small as possible.
Describe the latest technologies and innovations in generator design.
Fetting: The latest innovations in rental generator design involve meeting EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations with proven, compact and low-maintenance aftertreatment equipment. Cummins’ rental generators in the 150 kW to 275 kW range for 2014 will be the first to meet EPA Tier 4 Final regulations without a diesel particulate filter while also delivering up to 5-percent better fuel efficiency.
Another innovation is Cummins’ new PowerCommand 3.3 generator controller (PCC) on new 150 kW, 200 kW and 275 kW rental units, which provides onboard paralleling and master-less load demand control in a simple, easy-to-use panel. The PCC 3.3 master-less load demand control allows paralleled generator sets to automatically turn on and off to match the actual load. This feature adds great flexibility to rental generator fleets by enabling rental inventory to be matched to a customer’s needs, and can deliver large fuel savings when unneeded generators can be automatically shut down. For rental generators, the PCC 3.3 control will be very easy to operate and have simple start/stop functions. However, for more complex applications involving paralleling or load demand control, those features will be password protected.
Explain how Tier 4 emissions regulations have impacted the generator market.
Fetting: Rental customers may be concerned about the impact of Tier 4 Final requirements on generator maintenance and fuel consumption due to the use of diesel particulate filters. However, generator sets from Cummins Power Generation will meet Tier 4 Final emissions regulations using only SCR, and no diesel particulate filter (DPF). The Selective Catalytic Reduction units on these Tier 4 Final rental generators will require readily available diesel emissions fluid (DEF) that is consumed at the rate of about 4 percent of diesel fuel consumption. Rental dealers who choose other brands of generators equipped with diesel particulate filters may experience some added maintenance and higher fuel consumption.
From an operational standpoint, Tier 4 Final rental generators from Cummins Power Generation will deliver about 5-percent better fuel efficiency than previous models. Not only will this save money for rental customers, it will also reduce the amount of diesel emissions fluid (DEF) needed. Going forward, rental dealers should expect that Tier 4 Final-compliant generator sets from Cummins Power Generation will continue to perform at the highest standards. Rental generator sets in the range of 150 kW to 275 kW manufactured after January, 2014 (and available by 2Q) will comply with EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. Higher horsepower rental generator sets are subject to Tier 4 Final regulations beginning in 2015.
Describe the features and benefits of your standard generator control panel.
Fetting: Our standard generator control panel is a user-friendly display tailored specifically for use in rental applications. Easy navigation is enabled by a 320 by 240 backlit 7-inch LED display. The easy-to-use control will reduce the number of trouble calls to rental dealers, since customers will be able to configure the majority of parameters using only the display. We have customized the standard PCC 3.3 for the rental units so it has simple start/stop functions to make it very intuitive. However, the controller will also have a password-protected entry for more complex features — such as paralleling with the master-less load control function.
What are the top three latest trends in rental generator units?
Fetting: There is a trend toward smaller containers for rental generator sets above 1000 kW, which is largely driven by limiting the requirement for over-weight permits and space requirements for specific applications. Cummins Power Generation traditionally has taken a balanced approach to packaging design that minimizes overall size while providing good sound-attenuation, long run times and adequate cooling capacity. In the future, smaller containers will also be offered to address this trend. Additionally, there is a growing demand for natural gas-powered rental units, especially in the oil patch, where units can run on flare gas. Also, there is an increased demand for telematic features for all rental generators.
