Posted by Brooke Just
Cummins Inc. has announced the approval of its entire line of diesel generator sets for use with paraffinic fuels (EN15940), including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), when used in standby applications. This announcement comes as part of Cummins overall commitment to develop innovative solutions that enable decarbonization, and proactively advance the company’s current technology to achieve industry-leading emissions.
“Our customers are continuously making advances towards decarbonization and Cummins is committed to helping them achieve their sustainability goals,” said Vipul Tandon, executive director, global power generation. “The ability to run generator sets on HVO fuel supports these goals by lowering their carbon footprint.”
HVO is derived from the same feedstocks used to produce biodiesel, however, it is produced via a hydrotreated process vs. transesterification process, which helps improve its oxidation stability. It has a very low life cycle carbon emission, making it attractive as a sustainable fuel.
Constituent emissions are equivalent to or lower than they are with diesel, and existing emissions data sheets and EPA Tier 2 certifications apply while operating generator sets on HVO. It is not prone to bacterial growth making it suitable for applications that require extended fuel storage, including back-up power standby applications. HVO is also compatible and can be blended in any proportion with diesel, easing the transition at existing facilities with diesel back-up power generators.
Cummins continues to work closely with industry partners to develop solutions that solve the industry’s needs for reliable and sustainable power. As part of the effort to demonstrate performance and reliability, Cummins partnered with Microsoft Corp. at its Des Moines, Iowa, and Phoenix, Ariz., data center sites to power QSK95 generator sets on HVO fuel.
“Microsoft is a valued partner and we are delighted to collaborate with them and support their sustainability goals for cleaner power,” said Tandon. “Cummins has over 100 years of experience in integrating proven power system solutions with evolving technologies. This experience has provided us the flexibility to meet and exceed changing global standards, as well as the unique requirements of our customers.”
