Current and near-term emission control strategies for diesel powered generator sets

Diesel powered generator sets have traditionally been and remain the number-one choice for standby and emergency power systems around the world. With the growth of applications involving telecommunications, more and more diesel generator sets are being used due to their ready availability. As a mature engine technology, diesels offer higher reliability than other engine designs as well as greater flexibility. Cummins, one of the world´s largest producers of diesel-powered generator sets, has been a leader in developing engines that are both fuel-efficient, and have fewer emissions than previous designs. While many existing small and medium-size diesel powered generator sets meet current and proposed air pollution control standards, reduction technologies are being applied to larger diesel engines to control oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons. Some current and existing emission control technologies include: (1) more efficient combustion; (2) catalytic after treatment systems; (3) low or no sulfur fuels; and (4) high-pressure direct injection gas technology. This paper acquaints energy managers and power engineers with what Cummins and a number of other manufacturers are doing to ensure that diesel engine powered generator sets will remain a viable option for standby/emergency and prime power well into the future.