Kawasaki Green Gas Engine-Driven Demo Power Plant Tops World Record with an Electric Generation Efficiency of 48.5% in 1,300 Hours

Tokyo, April 22, 2008 — Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that a demonstration power plant driven by its proprietary Green Gas Engine has been running for a cumulative total of 1,300 hours. While in operation it has steadily maintained an electric generation efficiency of 48.5%, the world’s highest for grid-connected operations. The demonstration plant is currently operating at Joetsu Energy Service in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture.

The plant employs Kawasaki’s KG-18 Green Gas Engine, a V-type, 18-cylinder engine with a cylinder diameter of 300 mm and an output of 7,800 kW (50 Hz). The KG-18 is Kawasaki’s largest Green Gas Engine but more lightweight and compact than competing engines in the same class. The engine is also available in three additional models, including 12, 14 or 16 cylinders.

The engine was delivered and installed at Joetsu Energy Service after having been tested for performance and endurance at Kawasaki’s Kobe Works between May and September last year. It's mainly DSS (daily-start-and-stop) grid-connected operations began at the end of December 2007. The engine is powered with natural gas supplied by Teikoku Oil Co., Ltd. Generated electricity is used by Joetsu Energy Service for its electric power business.

During test runs, the Kawasaki Green Gas Engine reduced fuel costs by more than 5% compared with conventional gas engines in the same class. It also halved NOx emissions to less than 200 ppm at 0% O₂, eliminating the need for denitration equipment in most areas of Japan. The Kawasaki Green Gas Engine can be used not only for mono-generation systems but also cogeneration systems utilizing waste heat. When used in cogeneration systems, its total efficiency exceeds 85%.