Specialty Gases: Exploring Alternatives for Electric Power Generation

Worldwide, population growth is driving demand for new sources of electric power generation. At the same time, an increased focus on efficiency and waste reduction in the power generation sector is leading power providers to explore the use of alternative gaseous fuels. Today, Caterpillar is partnering with dealers and customers worldwide to expand the use of specialty gases in Cat^® generators.

These specialty gases include, but are not limited to:

• Syngas: Produced by the heating of wood, coal, or other materials in a gasifier
• Coke oven gas: A gas resulting from the coke manufacturing process
• Blast furnace gas: A by-product of steel manufacturing
• High-energy gas: A derivative of the gas refining process, typically high in butanes, pentanes, hexanes, etc.

Due to large variations in the composition and contaminants of these fuels, a close inspection of the fuel is crucial to the success of a project. In some cases, commercially available products may be suitable for alternative fuel applications. In other cases, such as syngas, factory engine design and performance modifications are being pursued on a limited developmental basis. Before the feasibility of a fuel for use in a reciprocating gas engine can be evaluated, a fuel analysis should be conducted. Contact your local Cat^® Dealer to explore the use of any specialty gas with Cat generator sets.