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A publication from Caterpillar Dealers for Facility Managers Summer 2011
2 P reparing for the Worst is Best Strategy
Green with
Take steps to be ready when troubles arise
3 Green with Success
Encina Wastewater Authority uses Caterpillar gensets to save millions and protect the environment
Success
6 Meeting the 10-Second Goal
Fast start times during emergencies depend on planning, maintenance
8 K eep Automatic Transfer Switches Ready for Action
Routine predictive/preventative maintenance is the only way to ensure continued safe and reliable operation 9 A New Way of Doing Business
Two-stage digester—a first of its kind in North America— powered, supported by Caterpillar
12 A voiding the Worst-Case Scenario Read the story:
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Caterpillar gensets save millions and protect the environment
Don’t dismiss rental option in contingency planning 15 Industry Notes
Updates on power generation technology
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Preparing
for the Worst
is
Best Strategy
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isasters, it seems, are all around us. Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes— even tsunamis—have all made their destructive power felt just in the first half of 2011. While it’s true you can’t control or predict emergencies and disasters, you can take steps to be ready when those troubles arise. We can help make that planning easier. Our expert contingency planning service and financially attractive programs ensure you receive equipment when you need it. Through experience, established relationships, a diverse fleet of equipment and the ability to plan and position supplies and equipment, our dealership can make a significant difference in your emergency preparedness and response. (To learn how rental options can help you be prepared, turn to Page 12.) Analyzing your fuel situation is a step you can take right now. Many organizations fail to secure an adequate fuel supply to last through an emergency—a mistake that would make all your other preparations pointless. Here are some items to consider: Tank size: Is your tank large enough to run your gensets for as long as it will take to get more fresh fuel to the site? If a worst-case scenario occurs, will you have the fuel to run 12, 24, 36 (or more)
hours without access to more fuel? Fuel supply: Do you have a trusted supplier who understands the critical nature of your operation? Do you have a written agreement where all expectations are listed, especially in case of an emergency? What happens if your fuel supplier is hit with an emergency and can’t deliver? Do you have a back-up source? Warning systems: Most tanks have a low-fuel alarm, but they are often designed to give a warning when fuel is nearly gone. Instead, the alarm should go off when the tank gets down to about 50 percent capacity, giving you enough time to secure fuel and keep running. Warnings can also be delivered by text or email so you can take action even if you’re not on site. Etc.: Planning is good, but overpreparedness can cause problems, too. Too much emergency fuel stored for too long will deteriorate and could cripple your gensets. Left untouched and untreated, algae, water and other contaminants can degrade your fuel, clog your fuel filters and possibly lead to engine failure. In a worst-case scenario, fuel contaminants could damage genset components. If you have questions about contingency planning or would like help setting up a plan, please contact our team of power systems experts.
Encina Wastewater Authority uses Caterpillar gensets to save millions of dollars and protect the environment
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reating wastewater— especially for a large, rapidly growing community—is an energy intensive and expensive undertaking. Faced with the challenge to operate economically and maintain high quality, while serving more than 350,000 customers, the Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) decided energy efficiency was key. They established a comprehensive energy management strategy that addresses every aspect of the facility’s energy use, from demand control to lighting retrofits. “EWA is guided by three goals: protecting North San Diego County’s ocean environment, producing and using
RunReady™ is published by High Velocity Communications Inc. on behalf of your Cat Dealer. Publisher, Tim O’Brien • Editorial Director, Jack Burke • Art Director, Michele Miller • Director of Client Services, Kris Matz. Every attempt has been made to ensure specifications are accurate. Because specifications are subject to change without notice, check with us, your Cat Dealer, for the latest information. Some photography provided courtesy of Caterpillar Inc. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” and the POWER EDGE trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. High Velocity Communications Inc., 1121 Marlin Court, Suite A, Waukesha, WI 53186-1464. RunReady is a trademark of High Velocity Communications Inc. Phone 262.544.6600. Please submit address corrections and changes via email to: Kris@HighVelocityCommunications.com. ©2011 High Velocity Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Volume 2, Number 2.
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ISSUE NUMBER 6
SUMMER 2011
renewable resources from the waste stream it treats, and giving rate payers a good deal,” said Chuck Bollinger, project manager for EWA. “EWA accomplishes this through a number of initiatives, including the production of green power from biogas collected as a byproduct from the treatment of wastewater.” To use that biogas, four Caterpillar G3516 engine generator sets were installed during a recent upgrade at the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF). Hawthorne Power Systems, the authorized Caterpillar Dealer in San Diego, Calif., supplied these 16-cylinder, turbocharged, low-emission engines, Continued on page 4
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CUSTOMERFEATURE which produce about 12 million kW-hr per year. That meets about 71 percent of EWA’s energy needs. Use of thermal energy from the cogeneration process to heat the digesters also reduces the amount of natural gas that must be purchased. As a result, operation of the cogeneration facility saved the EWA $2.1 million in energy costs during 2010. Waste heat is also used in an absorption chiller to cool the main plant switchgear room. “We strive to control the cost of purchased electricity and natural gas to the greatest extent possible,” Bollinger said. “Utilizing this fuel to generate electricity helps to mitigate the impact of price increases in electricity as driven by the cost of fossil fuel.”
A recognized leader in green energy The Caterpillar gensets are fueled by the biogas produced from the reduction of wastewater solids in digesters. This anaerobic digestion process converts volatile organic solids to carbon dioxide and methane. The conversion occurs in a digester tank that is maintained at a temperature of 98˚F (36.6˚C). Gas produced by the anaerobic digestion process is a mixture of approximately 60 to 65 percent methane, 35 to 40 percent carbon dioxide, and very small quantities of nitrogen, hydrogen and sulfur compounds. As the gas leaves the digesters, it is cooled, which releases moisture, and then filtered to remove particulates. The conditioned gas is then pressurized and sent to the cogeneration
The Encina Wastewater Authority established a comprehensive energy management strategy that includes the use of Caterpillar gensets.
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engine generators via mixed gas blowers, Bollinger said. “Natural gas (in addition to biogas) is used to fuel engine generators during the portion of the day subject to peak electricity prices,” Bollinger said. “Basically, any genset can be—and is— run on either fuel. On a typical day, we’ll have gensets running 24/7 on biofuel and one genset running four to eight hours on natural gas alone.” EWA’s energy management strategy is focused on dramatically reducing its reliance on purchased energy. The specific objective established in EWA’s recently completed Energy and Emissions Strategic Plan is for the EWPCF to produce 96 percent of its energy needs on-site by 2020. This dedication to environmentally sound energy practices was recently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EWPCF was named to the EPA’s Top 20 On-site Power Generation list, which represents organizations generating and consuming the most green power on-site within the EPA’s Green Power Partnership. The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that supports the use of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources. The organizations on the list produce a combined 618 million kW-hours of green power annually—enough to power nearly 54,000 average American homes each year. “Our Mission Statement is clear. We want to be an environmental leader,” Bollinger said. “But our mission is more than that. We want to provide fiscally responsible wastewater services and, by using green biogas to generate electricity, we are achieving that.”
the process saves EWA—and its rate payers—another $2 million per year. A Strong Partnership
Four Caterpillar G3516 gensets are producing green power from biogas at the Encina Wastewater Authority. biosolid. Class B biosolids have limited commercial use and much of what EWA produced needed to be sent to landfills for disposal. But the biosolid pellets produced by the heat-drying process are Class A biosolids—a clean, dry, stable, granular material that can be used as a biofuel or an organic fertilizer. As a biofuel, they have a heating value that is about 60 percent that of coal. As a slow release fertilizer, they have a NitrogenPhosphorous-Potassium (NPK) value of 5.7-7-0.
EWA produces about 7,200 tons per year of biosolids pellets. These pellets are sold as an energy source for a cement kiln in Victorville, Calif. EWA is also investigating using the product as a fertilizer, which would be a more lucrative market. Implementation of the heat drying process has greatly reduced EWA’s costs for biosolids disposal. In the past, four or five truckloads of biosolids were hauled to a landfill each day. Due to the reduction in volume, only one truckload is hauled away each day. As a result,
Rules of Thumb for Producing Green Energy from Biogas There are no easy or hard-and-fast rules to establish how much energy can be generated from a defined quantity of a particular type of biomass. Many factors can affect the quality and quantity of biogas produced from anaerobic digestion. For a simple approximation, you can use these equations:
Other Benefits
0.5–1.5 cow
Excess heat from the biogas process has helped EWA save money in another way, Bollinger said. After 15-20 days in the digesters, wastewater solids are pumped to the dewatering building for additional treatment. Centrifuges then are used to remove excess water. At this point, the product is about 23 percent solids and considered a Class B
3–6 pigs
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Bollinger said the upgrade took years to plan and implement—indeed, the Cat® gensets were purchased in 2006 and went online in 2008 and 2009. Hawthorne Power Systems was an integral partner throughout the process. “We chose the Cat gensets because we liked the fact that they could easily operate on gas fuels of differing energy content,” he said. “But the reputations of Caterpillar and Hawthorne, and the fact Hawthorne has support nearby, also were important factors.” Hawthorne provided extensive application engineering and documentation related to the gensets, engine monitoring and control systems, as well as electrical power distribution and monitoring systems during the installation. Hawthorne also provides ongoing assistance with any questions or concerns that come up. And, while EWA does its own routine maintenance and testing of the gensets, EWA counts on Hawthorne’s Cat Certified Mechanics to do more major maintenance. “Hawthorne has been a good partner,” Bollinger said.
250–350 laying hens
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= = =
1.3 m3 biogas 1.5 m3 biogas 2 m3 biogas
= = =
6–7 kWh/m3 6–7 kWh/m3 6.5–7.5 kWh/m3
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MEETING The 10-Second Goal Fast start times during emergencies depend on planning, maintenance
So any application with a 10-second starting requirement must consider all the factors necessary to guarantee satisfactory performance of the installation. A facility’s electrical system is only as reliable as the weakest link in the system. Therefore, each component of the emergency power system should be evaluated as critical to the overall system performance. Here are some recommendations to ensure faster starts in emergencies:
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or most applications, emergency and standby power packages are necessities, not luxuries. Certain essential businesses—hospitals, airports—have no choice but to install and maintain these units. For other applications, the prohibitively high costs of an outage to their businesses drive the installation. Whatever the reason, the fact is those power systems need to run and run quickly and dependably when called upon. Indeed, some emergency and standby power applications are required by code to start up and accept electrical loads in less than 10 seconds. If an application has a power restoration time goal, it makes sense to perform a system level start-time analysis regularly. The start-time analysis should look at every aspect of the critical power path, from electrical system component selection to component performance and to site conditions that may affect system performance. For example, transfer switches serve an essential role in an emergency 6
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electrical system. Generators provide the power, but transfer switches actually switch the power source from normal to emergency if they detect any loss of grid power or power fluctuations. Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) maintain power to critical equipment when the main grid fails. UPS also protect critical systems from utility power containing noise and harmonics that prevent proper operation of equipment. Keep in mind that not every load needs to be on a UPS. Many facilities choose to back up the most critical systems, including data systems, integrated delivery networks and critical and sensitive equipment in lab areas. Generator sets, transfer switches, switchgear and all other components of an emergency power system are designed to be reliable—to function as intended. Of course, no product is foolproof and reliability is also a function of proper maintenance, testing and support. Those human activities must be carried out as part of an overall plan to maximize reliability. SUMMER 2011
Configuration Avoid unnecessary oversizing when configuring generator sets that require a fast start time. Oversized and high voltage generator sets have higher rotational inertia than standard lowvoltage generators, and will increase start times. Controls Engines equipped with electronic governors should be properly tuned for the site and application. This includes reviewing the ramp rate, and adjusting from the default value to improve start time. Packages equipped with a Digital Voltage Regulator (DVR) should be properly tuned for the site and application. This includes decreasing the soft start feature in the DVR, which will decrease the time it takes the generator to build rated voltage.
Batteries and Starters Cranking batteries must be adequately sized and fully charged. A trickle-charge system can ensure a consistent charge. When an air starter is specified, the air system must supply the required air volume and maintain a 100-psi (689.5 kPa) minimum pressure. Temperature Control Combustion air temperature must be a minimum of 70° F (21° C). A jacket water heater may be required to maintain a minimum of 90° F (32° C) jacket water temperature. Fuel and Fluids Have a readily available supply of clean fuel. Clean fuel that meets Caterpillar’s fuel condition recommendations will provide outstanding engine service life and performance. A complete profile of fuel standards is available through our service department for your reference. • Ensure fuel filters are clean, and that there is no air in the fuel system because of leaks. • Use continuous engine oil prelubrication, if available with the engine model. These suggestions will improve starting, but cannot guarantee starting in a certain number of seconds. Contact our power systems experts if a specific fast start time is required for your application. RUNREADY
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Keep Automatic Transfer Switches Ready for Action
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B
y definition, emergency generators and automatic transfer switches (ATS) are rarely required to operate. ATS are installed in the emergency power system to transfer the electrical load from the normal power source to the emergency power source upon failure of normal power. The transfer switch must transfer and retransfer the load automatically. Since ATS are seldom used, that can lead to a case of “out of sight, out of mind.” Oftentimes, routine maintenance on the ATS may be overlooked. As is the case with all your electrical power distribution equipment, routine predictive/preventative maintenance is the only way to ensure its continued safe and reliable operation. In fact, NFPA 110, the standard for emergency and standby power systems, requires regular maintenance for power systems that provide electrical power in the event of a primary power source failure. In some industries, weekly ATS tests are mandated. This basic test confirms that the ATS can send a start signal to the generator and transfer the building load onto the generator for a period of time set by the user. While this test proves basic functionality, it does not address the condition of ATS connections and components or critical operations over the life of the switch. Regular, thorough maintenance inspections are key to reliability. A robust maintenance program for ATS includes checking connections, inspection or testing for evidence of overheating and excessive contact erosion, removal of dust and dirt, and replacement of contacts when required. A preventative maintenance contract can identify problems and help prevent a failure. For example, power cables, contactor assemblies and interconnect wires are essential to performance and receive close attention during initial installation, start up and commissioning. Over time, these components can deteriorate, vibrate loose or become contaminated by the operational environment. If maintenance is neglected, an ATS may fail and cause extensive damage to the generator or downstream devices. A maintenance contract assures timely performance of all recommended ATS inspections and service. A maintenance contract should include all inspections, testing and service described at the back of the Operation and Maintenance Manual. Other service checks may be recommended based on your application. Regular maintenance of the entire system is essential to assure maximum life and reliability from your generator set. To learn more about ATS maintenance programs, contact our power systems experts. 8
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New Way of Doing Business
Two-stage digester—a first of its kind in North America— powered, supported by Caterpillar
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or Dennis Dick, Jan. 27, 2011—11:16 a.m., to be exact—marked the beginning of a new, more efficient way of doing business. “That time is burned into my memory,” said Dick, who, with his cousin Roger Tiessen, runs Seacliff Energy in Leamington, Ontario. “That is when we produced our first kilowatt.” That first kilowatt was the culmination of five years’ work for
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Dick and Tiessen, who set out to find an economically sound and environmentally friendly way to provide power to Dick’s greenhouse business. “The volatile nature of natural gas prices was giving us a headache. We decided we needed to find an alternative,” he said. “Whenever there’s a difficulty or challenge put before you, we can also look at that as an opportunity. So we thought instead of putting our energies into complaining,
we decided we would do something about it.” The pair considered many options— from burning biomatter to burning tires to installing digesters—and even traveled overseas to see cutting-edge technologies first hand. “We had traveled quite extensively in Europe and had done quite a bit of homework,” Dick said. “We continued to Continued on page 10
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Company Bio
Roger Tiessen President, Seacliff Energy
The company: Seacliff Energy Ltd., a partnership between GPC-Seacliff, Seacliff Energy Inc. and Alpenglow Energy Location: Leamington, Ontario, Canada Managing partners: Roger Tiessen, president of Seacliff Energy, Dennis Dick, vice president and co-owner of Pelee Hydroponics Cat Power: Caterpillar G3520 C1.6MW high-efficiency, low-emission genset
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travel, had a great time, but we weren’t getting anywhere.” With some seed money from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dick and Tiessen hired a consultant to help find a workable solution. The consultant suggested Dick and Tiessen look again at digesters, but this time a type being used in Europe with success: a two-stage anaerobic digester. Single-stage digesters are more commonplace. Two-stage digesters work like a cow’s stomach—in stages— breaking down up to 50 types of material by using different bacteria and temperatures. “Once we realized no burning processes quite fit our needs at the greenhouse, we said, ‘Let’s take a look at two-stage digesters and off we went to Europe,’” Dick said. “And after the first visit we were sold on the technology and knew that was the way we needed to go.” A First in North America Seacliff Energy’s two-stage digestion technology is a first of its kind in North America. The technology, developed by Gerhard Agrinz GmbH of Austria, transforms waste organic materials into biogas.
The biogas fuels a Caterpillar G3520 C1.6MW high-efficiency, low-emission genset supplied by Toromont Cat Power Systems. Dick said his company has a 20-year contract with Ontario Power Authority to supply electricity produced by the Cat G3520C—enough for about 1,200 homes. Additionally, the engine will generate thermal heat to operate the adjacent cucumber and tomato greenhouse, Pelee Hydroponics, owned by Dick and his wife Vicki. To feed the digester, Seacliff will collect agricultural waste—much of it from nearby food processors—such as sweet corn, onions, celery, beans, cucumbers and cucumber prunings, corn silage, as well as some dairy cattle and swine manure. The facility is expected to process more than 40,000 metric tons of waste organic material each year, some of which would end up in a landfill. The project will also remove the equivalent of 5,217 tons of CO2 per year, based on the CO2 produced by all parties involved in the project. And what’s left over from the process can be used as fertilizer. Dick said that no nutrients are lost during the process and what comes out of the
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Caterpillar Financial Saw Bright Future
Seacliff Energy is using a technology that is new to North America to turn waste organic materials into biogas. The biogas then fuels a Caterpillar G3520 C1.6MW high-efficiency, lowemission genset supplied by Toromont Cat Power Systems.
digester is almost equal to what goes in. “We are able to separate the solids from the liquids and both can be used as fertilizer,” Dick said. “We hope to develop this process further and take it to the organic market. All the way around, there are environmental benefits, and we have the added bonus of creating a profit center for us.” Proven Technology, Proven Partners Dick said that while two-stage digesting is a mature technology in Europe—there are over 5,000 of these units producing electricity—it is new to North America. And any technology that’s new to an area is bound to have challenges, such as finding parts and service. That’s why when they looked at generators, Dick and Tiessen turned to Caterpillar and Toromont. “We did a lot of research, we asked a lot of questions during this process, and when it came to choosing a generator— that was an easy decision,” he said. “Caterpillar has the reputation for generator quality and reliability, parts and service and once we met the people at Toromont and got to know them, it was a very easy decision to make.” Dick said they liked the Cat genset because it runs at a lower RPM than similar models by other manufacturers— making it more efficient. Another plus is how it handles H2S (hydrogen sulfide), Dick said. Biogas is a wet, warm byproduct with historically high H2S, which is corrosive. Seacliff’s system takes the SUMMER 2011
gas through a pipe underground where it is cooled by the ambient ground temperature. Moisture in the gas then condenses, which removes a high percentage of the H2S. Mechanical filters remove more H2S before the gas is ready for combustion. “Not that we want to put high H2S levels in, but we could use more elevated levels of H2S in the Caterpillar generator than in other brands,” he said. “The Caterpillar engine can take more without a problem.” And, to protect their investment, Seacliff has engaged Toromont Cat Power Systems in a long-term service agreement. Dick said that, after working with Toromont on this project, they trust their expertise. In fact, two Toromont associates, Joe Van Schaick and Reda Rafla, traveled to Europe with Dick and Tiessen to study the digesters in person. Dick said the trip was “invaluable” to understand how the digester would work with the genset. “There have been so many people who have helped us at Toromont and Caterpillar. They’ve gone above and beyond the call of duty,” Dick said. “Both Roger and I have been involved in farming and Roger has run a number of other businesses. We know that service is such an important part of any equipment purchase. We know that Caterpillar and Toromont have all those pieces in place, that parts would be available, quickly. It was a pretty easy decision to go with Caterpillar and Toromont.”
The two-stage digester wasn’t the only first on the Seacliff project. Caterpillar Financial Services, Ltd. provided $6 million USD in financing for the anaerobic digestion facility—the first such project in Canada to be financed by CFSL. Although a first for Canada, Caterpillar Financial has supported green power initiatives across the globe. The financial arm of Caterpillar offers solutions to electric power customers, including financing of Caterpillar and Solar Turbines electric power generation and cogeneration systems, powered by Cat engines. And, as in the Seacliff project, support isn’t limited
to financing for machines. Cat Financial can also help with the “soft” costs of engineering and installation. “We were very impressed by what Roger (Tiessen) and Dennis (Dick) had done at Seacliff, and we’re proud to be part of the project,” said Jon Best, senior international account manager for renewable energy at Caterpillar Financial. Having the people who helped finance the project also understand how the business works was very beneficial, said Dennis Dick of Seacliff. “We think we have a wonderful project here. In fact we know we have a wonderful project here and Caterpillar understood that,” Dick said. “There have been a lot of challenges along the way, and everyone has worked hard to get things done, including Cat Financial. Here we are, up and running and looking toward a bright future.”
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“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Ben Franklin
require thorough, consistant maintenance. If a company doesn’t perform regular maintenance on its standby unit, it is not guaranteed to cover its facility in an outage. Planning for the worst-case scenario—no grid power, a downed standby genset—is sound strategy. But first, an effective contingency plan requires thorough understanding of a business facility’s needs and knowing both how to react quickly and who to call when the power goes out. Questions to Ask Planning for your company’s power needs starts by answering some basic questions about your energy use:
Avoiding the
Worst-Case Scenario Don’t Dismiss Rental Options in Contingency Planning
It may make sense for your business to consider rental options when developing contingency plans to deal with power outages.
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isaster management can be a complex puzzle, depending on the particular industry, size and scope of your business. However, putting a plan in motion before a crisis strikes will improve the likelihood that your company will survive and recover. And the stakes are high: According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster. 12
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Every company is vulnerable to an event that can interrupt power. Without power, operations are paralyzed, business stops, and a company can see huge losses in revenue and production time. If your business experiences a power outage because of a flood, fire or other isolated emergency, a business contingency plan can help you recover more completely and more quickly. Using rental options for power backup can be a sound strategy for a contingency plan and facility managers can save ISSUE NUMBER 6
time and money by securing portable rental generator sets ahead of time to meet temporary electric power needs. Rental gensets are available to fit just about any application and can function in emergencies to replace utility power before it has been permanently re-established. Even if you’ve invested in a standby genset, it’s still worthwhile to consider a rental backup plan. Although standby gensets by their nature stand idle most of the time, they still SUMMER 2011
How long can your business function without power? Your answer could range from mere seconds to days. The length of time obviously depends on the nature of your business, but most businesses need power restored quickly or risk long-term financial damage. The more quickly you need power restored, the more important it is to have a detailed contingency plan. How much power do you need? Think of your business and its critical needs, those items that must run for you to do your job. Once you have calculated your critical power needs, you should enlist the knowledge and expertise of a power systems expert to help you figure the power requirements. What else do you need? An emergency generator may require certain ancillary equipment and features to meet a facility’s needs effectively. These include cables, transformers, ramps and distribution panels. Those questions are just for starters. What about location? Gensets shouldn’t be set too close to building air intakes, loading docks, or areas with poor access or ventilation. What about the neighbors? Will your rental genset need sound attenuation because it’s located near residences, other businesses or close to where your workers do their jobs? Attention also must be paid to where and how power cables will be connecting the generator to the electrical distribution boxes to prevent security, fire safety, or environmental problems. Fueling the genset must also be considered. The genset must be located so a fueling truck can access it easily. Choosing the Right Partner Planning for an emergency takes much forethought and effort. But one decision can make or break your contingency Continued on page 14
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XXX XXXXXXX
Questions to Consider When Renting Back-up Gensets • Does the unit meet local requirements for engine emissions? • Do I need a sound-attenuated generator? • Do I need a portable unit? • Does the generator support dual-voltage? • Does the unit have adequate fuel capacity for the intended use? • If the unit is trailer-mounted, what are the overall dimensions? Weight?
INDUSTRY
New Tier 4 compliant mid-range generator now available Caterpillar has introduced its first mid-range generator set that meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Interim emissions standards. Designed for standby, prime and load management applications, it offers the latest in engine design technology. Powered by a Cat C15 engine, the ratings for this 60 Hz package are 500 ekW (standby) and 455 ekW (prime). Building on the attributes of the C15 diesel generator set with ACERT™
Technology, this package offers highly competitive service intervals, fuel consumption rates and power density. This diesel generator set is the first available in the Tier 4 Interim certified series. The advanced emissions control on the engine utilizes an electronically controlled air management system, which acts to lower combustion temperature and achieves a lower NOx output. That means EPA requirements are met
without the need for aftertreatment. By relying on engine technology alone, customers benefit from the most cost-effective solution, which minimizes impact on installation size, operating practices and maintenance complexity. The C15 Tier 4 Interim certified generator set package is also the first to offer Caterpillar’s latest generator set controller— the EMCP 4. Additional engine features include an ADEM™ A4 controller and MEUI fuel system. Its durable design provides added reliability, consistent performance and excellent fuel economy. The generator set offers an Air-To-Air After Cooler (ATAAC) cooling system, multiple controlpanel and power-connection locations and enhanced packagemounted circuit breaker options. For more information on the new genset, contact our power systems experts.
Caterpillar, Westport to study fuel system technologies
plan. You must carefully choose who will supply your rental equipment. A rental genset is only as reliable as the supplier who backs it. A knowledgeable, reliable supplier understands the ins and outs of generation equipment and logistics and is committed to helping a business stay online. You need to know what equipment your rental supplier has available and how quickly it can be supplied. A good power rental supplier will carry a full range of gensets and everything necessary to make the unit run efficiently. Your supplier must be able to provide equipment quickly at any time—nights, weekends, holidays—to ensure your business will have the power it needs. And if your emergency power needs stretch from hours into days or weeks, will you be able to count on that supplier to support your genset with maintenance? Determine if the supplier has enough staff—well-trained staff—to cover your needs. Remember, if you’ve suffered a power loss because of a natural disaster, it’s likely other companies have as well. 14
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Will your genset supplier be stretched too thin, leaving you in the lurch? Outsourcing rental power can help minimize the financial loss and downtime of a power failure. And, by tapping into the experience and expertise of power generation rental suppliers, a business has the advantage of a range of options. Whether facing an emergency, or planning for downtime a year in advance, rental power ensures quick response and uninterrupted power. Planning ahead is simple; dealing with the disastrous effects of power disruption is not. At our dealership, you’ll find the unmatched resources you need to sustain or restore your organization’s critical functions—before, during and after the outage. Our highly qualified engineers will configure a system to precisely meet your business requirements. We’ll deliver it, connect it, fuel it, start it, and our factory-certified technicians will service and maintain it. With contingency planning, our dealership can guarantee your rental unit will be available when you need it— and you can enjoy peace of mind for years to come. ISSUE NUMBER 6
Westport Innovations Inc., an alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies provider, has entered into an agreement with Caterpillar to evaluate direct injection, natural gas fuel system technologies for possible use on Caterpillar’s large engines. As part of the agreement, the companies will combine
technologies and components to develop a fuel system that will be evaluated on a multi-cylinder test engine. Through this evaluation project, Westport and Caterpillar are seeking to demonstrate that the integration of their respective direct injection, natural gas technologies can deliver the high performance and high
efficiency requirements of large engine applications. The evaluation should be completed in 2012, with program expenses shared by both Caterpillar and Westport. Caterpillar high horsepower engines are used in a variety of electric power, industrial, machine, marine and petroleum applications worldwide.
N.Y. tightens regulations over energy, water use A new benchmarking law has taken effect in New York City requiring many building owners to record energy and water use. All buildings over 50,000 square feet must have their energy use measured, calculated and uploaded
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to a portfolio manager system. Every year, building owners must submit their benchmarking reports to the city’s Department of Finance. Those who do not comply will receive a $500 fine for every quarter the information is not submitted.
All of the information will be available to the public within two years, so consumers and building owners can compare energy and water costs. For more information on the new law, go to www.nyc.gov/ggbp.
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FABCO POWER SYSTEMS
Complete Power Solutions For All Applications • Single Source Supplier of Complete Turn-key Solutions • Up to 5,500kW in a Single Unit Configuration • Sales, Lease, Rental and Financing • Sizing and Application Assistance • Standby, Load Management or Prime • Diesel, Natural and Landfill Gas Fueled • Renewable Energy System Expertise • Transfer Switches, Switchgear and UPS's. • Caterpillar Quality and Dependability • Load Banking Testing • Complete Field Service Capabilities • Preventive Maintenance and Inspection Programs
Milwaukee
Wausau
Madison
Eau Claire
La Crosse
Superior
Green Bay
Marquette
11200 W. Silver Spring Road Milwaukee, WI 53225 (414) 461-9100 1111 Applegate Road Madison, WI 53713 (608) 271-6200 2400 Cunningham Street LaCrosse, WI 54603 (608) 783-4891 2700 South Broadway Green Bay, WI 54304 (920) 498-8000
9601 Christie Lane Schofield, WI 54476 (715) 359-6220 7877 Partridge Rd. (Cty EE) Eau Claire, W I 54703 (715) 874-5100 111 Moccasin Mike Road Superior, WI 54880 (715) 398-9696 US Highway 41 West Marquette, MI 49855 (906) 475-4191
www.FABCO.com
Delivering the Right Power Solution—Within Your Budget Our dealership understands how to work within your budget and deliver the right product when you need it. Cat® diesel generator sets, natural gas generator sets, bio-fuel generator sets and alternative fuel generator sets provide emergency, standby, prime and continuous power to customers around the globe.
We offer: • Detailed product specifications • Trusted product reputation • Expert sizing tools and dealer consultation • Flexible configurations • Variety of financing options • Clear communication throughout the buying process
Contact our Power Systems experts for more information.