Big power, smaller package

Expanding its container generator range, Multiquip's MQ Power division has added a 20 ft. trailer length to its 500 to 1500 kW gen-set offering. The gen-sets are now available in two container lengths, 20 and 40 ft., for use in both prime and standby power applications.

"These units offer a very high power density in a small cube package," said Jim Rose, director of product management for MQ Power, Carson, Calif. "For venues where available space is at a premium, these units have filled the need when lots of power is required."

The gen-sets are offered in four outputs--500, 750, 1000 and 1500 kW--and are powered by Detroit Diesel (DDC), Volvo and Cummins engines. The 500 kW range consists of the EGC-500DD and the EGC-500V models, both packaged in 20 ft. containers. The former is powered by a 15.93 L eight-cylinder DDC 8V2000 diesel rated 765 hp and the latter a 16.12 L six-cylinder, inline Volvo TAD1631GE engine rated 759 hp at 1800 rpm.

The 750 kW gen-sets are available in both the standard 40 x 8 x 9.5 ft. containers and smaller 20 x 8 x 9.5 ft. packages. The EGC-750DD and EGC-750C models are available in the 40 ft. size, powered by a 23.91 L 12-cylinder DDC 12V2000 engine or a Cummins' 30.6 L 12-cylinder QST30-G2 diesel engine. Horsepower ratings are 1120 and 1200 hp, respectively. The 20 ft. package, model EGC-750DD-20, has the 1120 hp DDC engine Both the 1000 and 1500 kW outputs have models in the 20 and 40 ft. container lengths. Both sizes of the 1000 kW EGC-1000DD-20 (20 ft.) and EGC-1000DD (40 ft.) gen-sets are equipped with the 33.81 L 16-cylinder DDC 16V2000 engine rated 1495 hp while the 1500 kW EGC-1500C-20 (20 ft.) and EGC-1500C (40 ft.) units feature a 50 L Cummins KTA50-G9 diesel rated 2220 hp at 1800 rpm.

The engines installed in all the generators are turbocharged, aftercooled and paired with a Young Touchstone or engine manufacturer-supplied radiator package. The oversized cooling package is complemented by a vertical air discharge, because as Rose explained, even "the biggest radiator built won't do you any good if you can't get proper air in and out of the container."

Output power for the generators is driven off the engine by a four-pole, brushless Marathon or Stamford-Newage alternator. The single-bearing alternator has a self-revolving field, is self-ventilated, drip proof and uses a PMG/AVR for starting. Three-phase 60 Hz is standard throughout the lineup with 120/208V and 277/480V voltages, depending on output.

The trailer/container of each of the gen-sets features three layers of noise insulation which Rose said brings the units' dB(A) to the mid-70s at 23 ft., for most applications. These self-contained units house their own isolated control room complete with a Basler digital controller, safety shutdowns, three-position control switch, remote monitoring and the option for parallel operation between two or more units or, the utility grid