Standby Generator Sets
(Kawasaki GPS Series)

1. Generator set

An alternator, gas turbine and related incidental equipment are mounted as a set on a common bed, and covered with a soundproof package.

2. Automatic starting alternator panel

This system combines a starter panel and gas turbine control panel.

3. Gas turbine starter

Both electric and air types are available. The electric type is standard and comprised of a storage battery and charger. The air type is comprised of an air tank, air compressor and starting valve unit.

4. Exhaust silencer

The generator set is provided with an exhaust silencer.

5. Fuel tank

6. Air supply system (for indoor installation)

This equipment supplies the air necessary for operation, and is comprised of an air supply fan, air supply silencer and other components.

1. High-performance, low-cost gas turbine developed by Kawasaki

The performance of the Kawasaki-developed gas turbines at the heart of these systems are world-class, and they are designed and fabricated rationally with the single-axis system optimal for an alternator drive source. These low-cost Japanese-made gas turbines are backed up by a comprehensive system for parts supply and service.

2. Self-cooling is applied so no cooling water is needed

No cooling water is necessary because the system is self-cooling. Therefore, cooling water maintenance is unneeded, and accidents due to freezing or water outages never occur. For that reason, this equipment is more reliable than diesel engines requiring cooling water. It will also save the costs of cooling water equipment and pipe installation, and the system installation location can be freely chosen.

3. Noise can be easily removed because the produced noise is high frequency

The main component of the produced noise is in the easily blocked high frequency range, so it can be curbed on the equipment side with a simple package, and exhaust noise can also be easily reduced using a silencer.
Noise reduction can be achieved more easily than with diesel engines, whose main component is low frequency, and noise issues can be adequately handled even in cases where there are stringent restrictions on noise on the site boundary.

4. Extremely low vibration and outstanding earthquake-resistance

As the system uses rotary motion engines with no reciprocating parts, there is almost no vibration. For this reason, no special foundation work or vibration isolation is needed during installation. In addition, there is almost no need for resilient mounting systems such as vibration isolation rubber or springs as vibration countermeasures, as in the case of diesel engines. As a result, the system has outstanding earthquake-resistance, and causes little low-frequency vibration and resonance phenomena similar to seismic waves. Even during the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, generator sets which had been periodically inspected exhibited a 100% operating rate (1,034 units), and smoothly supplied power throughout the power outages. With the outstanding earthquake-resistance, Kawasaki gas turbines can show their true value even during major earthquakes, supplying stable electric power to various types of infrastructure.

5. High startup reliability and quick startup

Since the equipment employs a continuous combustion system using a dual injection nozzle equipped with a single-can combustor, there are almost no ignition failures during startup, as occur with diesel engines. Furthermore, there is no cooling water equipment, and thus fewer inspection items before startup. The system starts up quickly without fail, and can be quickly connected to the load without warm-up operation.

6. With once-a-month check operation, the system can be started any time

Unlike diesel engines, gas turbines do not have reciprocating or sliding parts such as pistons and cylinders, and thus there is no friction between parts. Furthermore, since the number of parts is low, high startup reliability can be maintained with little daily inspection. In addition, only once-a-month check operation is sufficient.

7. Single-shaft type for stable frequency characteristics

The system is the single-shaft type which is the most suitable for an alternator drive source. There are few speed fluctuation, and it is possible to obtain a good frequency fluctuation rate during steady operation or when connecting/disconnecting the full load. This is impossible with a diesel engine or double-shaft gas turbine.

8. Extra momentary overload capacity thanks to high-speed rotation

The main shaft rotates at a high speed of 18,000-31,500min^－1. This rotation speed is reduced to 1,500 or 1,800min^－1, so the equivalent moment of inertia becomes extremely large, and the system can easily absorb the momentary overload when starting a high-capacity induction motor or similar equipment. The system has much higher momentary overload capacity than diesel generation equipment in the same class. Gas turbines show their true value in the case of standby equipment, where it is particularly easy for momentary overloading to occur.

9. Space-saving and easy transport/installation

Compared with diesel engines in the same class, gas turbines are surprisingly lightweight and small, with about 1/4 the weight, and about 1/7 the volume. With a compact package, they can be easily transported to and installed at cramped locations such as rooftops and basements. Furthermore, there is no need for cooling water equipment, so only a small installation area is necessary, and space can used effectively.