Cat Generator Set Definitions

RATING DEFINITIONS
Generator sets are rated by their intended application.

Diesel Emergency Standby Power (ESP): Output available with varying load for the duration of an emergency outage. Average power output is 70% of the emergency standby power rating. Typical operation is 50 hours per year with maximum expected usage of 200 hours per year. Standby power in accordance with ISO8528. Fuel stop power in accordance with ISO3046.

Diesel Standby Power: Output available with varying load for the duration of the interruption of the normal source power. Average power output is 70% of the standby power rating. Typical operation is 200 hours per year, with maximum expected usage of 500 hours per year. Standby power in accordance with ISO8528. Fuel stop power in accordance with ISO3046. Standby ambients shown indicate ambient temperature at 100% load which results in a coolant top tank temperature just below the shutdown temperature.

Diesel Prime Power: Output available with varying load for an unlimited time. Average power output is 70% of the prime power rating. Typical peak demand is 100% of prime rated ekW with 10% overload capability for emergency use for a maximum of 1 hour in 12. Overload operation cannot exceed 25 hours per year. Prime power in accordance with ISO3046. Prime ambients shown indicate ambient temperature at 100% load which results in a coolant top tank temperature just below the alarm temperature.

Diesel Continuous Power: Output available with non-varying load for an unlimited time. Average power output is 70-100% of the continuous power rating. Typical peak demand is 100% of continuous rated ekW for 100% of operating hours. Continuous power in accordance with ISO3046. Continuous ambients shown indicate ambient temperature at 100% load which results in a coolant top tank temperature below the alarm temperature.

Gas Standby Power: These ratings are applicable for supplying continuous electrical power (at variable load) in the event of a utility power failure. No overload is permitted on these ratings. Natural gas ratings have been established on natural gas with net calorific Low Heat Value (LHV) of approximately 35.6 MJ/m3 (905 Btu/ft3) and 80 methane number (MN).

Gas Continuous Power: Output available without varying load for an unlimited time. Continuous power in accordance with ISO8528, AS2789, and BS5514. Natural gas ratings have been established on natural gas with net calorific Low Heat Value (LHV) of approximately 35.6 MJ/m3 (905 Btu/ft3) and 80 methane number (MN).

Gas Continuous CHP: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installations utilize both the electric power from the generator set as well as the heat created by the genset engine to heat air and/or water for the facility.

FUEL / EMISSIONS STRATEGIES
Cat Generator Sets are available in a variety of fuel and emissions packages.

Low BSFC: Low Brake Specific Fuel Consumption is a diesel engine optimized for minimal fuel consumption

Low Emissions: A diesel engine optimized for lower emissions than a BSFC model.

EPA Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 Interim, Tier 4 Final, Stationary Emergency: A diesel engine that meets or exceeds the requirements for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the tier indicated.

EU Stage II, IIIA, IIIB, IV: A diesel engine that meets or exceeds the requirements of the European Union emissions regulations for the stage indicated.

NSPS Certified: Gas engine that meets or exceeds the requirements for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the New Source Performance Standards.

Learn more about genset emissions reduction.

 
VOLTAGE AND PHASE
Most generator sets listed on this site output 60 Hz 480 volt three phase, or 50 Hz 400 volt three phase. Models that vary are typically listed with notes such as the following:

(SP) A genset that produces Single Phase current.

(3300V) Numbers in parentheses indicate voltages other than 480 or 400.