GE Offers VGF Units with Advanced Controls as Standard Feature for Compact Horsepower Segment, Giving Operators Greater Emissions Reduction and Other Capabilities
Advanced Controls Enhance Operator Ability to Reduce Engine Emissions during Gas Compression, Mechanical Drive and On-Site Power for Oil and Gas Production
New Units Extend Maintenance Intervals and Lower Operating Expenses
DALLAS-October 28, 2015-GE’s Distributed Power business (NYSE: GE) today announced the introduction of its new Waukesha* VGF* high-speed gas engine models that, for the first time, combine the company’s proven compact gas engine design with advanced controls normally used in GE’s larger Waukesha units.
Offering advanced controls and aftertreatment capabilities as standard features, the VGF units give operators greater flexibility for on-site power, air/gas compression and drilling applications for oil and gas production compared to other engines available in the 300-600 horsepower high-speed range.
The VGF is adapting the controls and emissions reduction technologies from GE’s larger Waukesha VHP engine, the industry workhorse for gas compression and oilfield power generation. Previously used only for stationary applications before the upgrades, the new F18SE and H24SE VGF models will be available with EPA non-road (mobile) certification for air quality, allowing the units to also be deployed for mobile applications. The certification on the engine also includes coverage for certain stationary applications.
“Our new Waukesha VGF gas engines from GE offer greater flexibility and added value for operators to deploy our engines in difficult applications and high altitudes,” said Wouter-Jan van der Wurff, general manager for gas engines up to 2 megawatts (MW) for GE’s Distributed Power business.
Until now, engine packagers would buy the engine from GE or another supplier and then the three-way catalyst and air-fuel ratio control systems from other suppliers. But with the introduction of GE’s new Waukesha VGF models with the emPact product offering, GE is offering packagers and end users a more beneficial “one-stop shop“ for the gas engine, controls and aftertreatment systems.
In addition to the advanced controls, GE’s two new Waukesha VGF models offer improved oil filtration for a healthier engine as well as improved oil cooling capabilities, allowing the unit to operate in even hotter ambient conditions. Additional enhancements include extending the life cycle of the cylinder heads, a new closed crankcase breathing system and a new high-altitude turbocharger coupled with a water-cooled wastegate. These engine improvements also will be offered to operators of existing VGF units in the field.
The new VGF models‘ top-end maintenance intervals have been extended 36 percent, which is a significant upgrade over the existing GSI engine and a 50 percent longer interval than competing engines. The major overhaul interval also is twice as long as offered by other engines. Longer intervals translate into less downtime and higher package availability. Finally, when it comes to servicing the internal components, the VGF is the only engine in its class that offers full access at the job site. The units also will operate for 1,500 hours without an oil, filter and spark plug change, compared to 720 hours required by other engines. This is a key advantage over existing systems because it meets or exceeds EPA NESHAP maintenance guidelines.
The new VGF F18SE and H24SE engines with advanced controls already have been deployed for a half dozen successful U.S. demonstration projects to prove their advantages over existing engines, including projects in stationary gas compression and power generation as well as mobile power generation and air/gas compression.
The new engines will be commercially available in the first quarter of 2016. The new units were announced during the 2015 High Horsepower (HHP) Summit at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. For more information, please visit GE’s booth #531.
About GE’s Distributed Power Business
GE Power & Water’s Distributed Power business is a leading provider of engines, power equipment and services focused on generating power at or near the point of use. Distributed Power offers a diverse product portfolio that includes highly efficient, fuel-flexible, industrial gas engines generating 100 kW to 10 MW of power for numerous industries globally. In addition, the business provides life cycle support for more than 35,000 gas engines worldwide to help you meet your business challenges and success metrics-anywhere and anytime. Backed by our authorized service providers in more than 170 countries, GE‘s global service network connects with you locally for rapid response to your service needs.
Headquartered in Jenbach, Austria, the Distributed Power business employs more than 2,000 people around the world.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com
About GE Power & Water
GE Power & Water provides customers with a broad array of power generation, energy delivery and water process technologies to solve their challenges locally. Power & Water works in all areas of the energy industry including renewable resources such as wind and solar, biogas and alternative fuels; and coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy. The business also develops advanced technologies to help solve the world’s most complex challenges related to water availability and quality. Power & Water’s six business units include Distributed Power, Nuclear Energy, Power Generation Products, Power Generation Services, Renewable Energy and Water & Process Technologies. Headquartered in Schenectady, N.Y., Power & Water is GE’s largest industrial business.
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Susanne Reichelt
GE Power
[email protected]
+43 5244 600 2382