Caterpillar extends containerized CHP range

Caterpillar Inc. has announced that it now offers new 1.5 MW and 2.0 MW power nodes in the company’s growing line of containerized combined heat and power (CHP) systems packaged in standardized, factory-assembled solutions. The gen-sets support strategic enterprise goals by reducing total energy costs, increasing energy resiliency and driving sustainability initiatives forward, the company said.

By adding options with Cat G3512H and Cat G3516H natural-gas generator sets, Caterpillar said it delivers containerized CHP solutions with power modules ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 MW that simplify the design, installation and commissioning of CHP applications while eliminating the need for outsourcing additional engineering or project management.

Caterpillar is expanding its line of containerized combined heat and power systems.

Designed, assembled, and tested at Caterpillar facilities in the U.S., the sound-attenuated units reduce the lead time to implement CHP capabilities by including all the major elements needed to support a cogeneration application, including the generator set, heat recovery and dissipation systems, combustion and ventilation air systems, master controls, and balance of plant components. The CHP solutions offer standardized configurations to reduce lead times while allowing for the customization of the radiator system, exhaust and air system, fuel system and other components, Cat said.

Now available for purchase in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Caterpillar’s containerized CHP solutions come with a standard Caterpillar warranty, with a suite of additional extended service coverage options available. They can be equipped with Cat Connect Remote Asset Monitoring, which provides data visualization, reporting, and alerts that are accessible from anywhere in the world through an easy-to-use web interface and mobile app.

“Caterpillar is committed to helping customers achieve their sustainability goals through a comprehensive range of innovative power solutions that precisely address power needs, fuel availability, emission standards and return-on-investment targets,” said Thomas Smith, North America gas segment manager for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Division. “By expanding our containerized CHP options, we have further simplified the process for customers to support their environmental, social and governance initiatives quickly and economically.”

Caterpillar said facilities can reduce operating costs by implementing a CHP system or a combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) system. Most Cat natural gas-fueled engines can be configured with a CHP or CCHP system to simultaneously generate power for electrical loads while capturing waste heat that can be repurposed as thermal energy for facility processes or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) requirements.

While the combination of grid power and traditional boilers for thermal energy offers less than 50% energy efficiency, Caterpillar said CHP and CCHP systems can provide total energy efficiencies of up to 90% or more.

Cat CHP and CCHP systems are applicable in a wide range of industrial and commercial facilities, such as manufacturing plants, refineries, regional district heating plants, resorts, shopping malls, high-rise office buildings, universities, data centers and hospitals.