3000HP 1.2 megawatt back up generator startup

This is the back up generator on Farnsworth Peak to keep the DTV transmitters running if they loose the main feeder lines. Cummins 3000 horse power 16 cylinder engine, 1.2 megawatt generator! It was so loud I had to get out of the room!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Cummins
• 3000
• Horse
• Power
• Startup

[CenturyVV]

It's probably been installed there for a little over three years by now... so yes, it could be ~5 years old. There is also a UPS system that comes on line first to keep the 8 HD transmitters in this building on line until the generator can be started and warmed up. No auto start feature as the Farnsworth Peak site is manned bu two people 24/7/365.

[CenturyVV]

Yes, I believe it is.

[huettmr]

Is that a QSK60?

[CenturyVV]

@huettmr It's a QSK60... and a nearly brand new one at that!

[bluecollarboiler]

the plant I used to work at as shift engineer, has 3 Waukesha 1,700 HP natural gas engines, each generator produces 1.2 megawatts at 13,500 volts :-)

Argh!

[wilderby96]

QST30, No way they would waste a 50 or a 60 liter on a 1250k gen, and there is NO way that thing is brand new, they haven't made the 3100 control in like 5 years.

[ziobrik]

@roadwolf2 but power doesn't come from Holy God... usually the gen label output at a rated condition is equal to the engine power at that condition reduced by the efficiency loss percentage. But engine power and electric power are directly proportional. See ISO8528 standard for details

[daarsena]

QSK engines do not use a Cummins PT fuel system which this engine has. This is a K series engine.

[thatsMrButtbreath2u]

can you really get 3000 horsepower from a KTA50??? I still think it's a QSK60

[teslapower220]

You should be able to get a lot more than 1200 kW from a 3000 Hp (~ 2250 kW) engine.

[ziobrik]

@roadwolf2

My dear, I've built, installed, serviced generators for 7 years, until 2008. You have to know that almosyt anybody waste power on generators. This is the formula to reach the engine power:

Electric output (LTP) / efficiency (usually 0,92:0,96) = fuel stop power of engine. If you've PRP power multiply the result per "1.1". Means that an output of 1000kw PRP with a .95 eff. alternator requires an engine rated for 1563.5 bhp fuel stop. This is it...

[roadwolf2]

1.2mw is the generator output