Cummins introduces QSK78 Centum Series generator set

First examples of Cummins’ UK-built Centum™ Series 3500 kVa 50 Hz generator sets will be on their way to customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East this summer. 

The generator sets – the most powerful in the Centum line-up – are purpose engineered to provide standby power for mission-critical infrastructure, with data centres top of the list. 

Customers and distributors had their first look at the new Centum models at a launch event in Madrid in May. 

Featuring the mighty turbocharged and aftercooled Cummins QSK78, STAMFORD | AvK’s Stamford’s latest S-Range S9, and – integrated at the system level – the Centum Transmission Drive designed by Cummins and built at Daventry, the Centum 50Hz models answer the need for serious, dependable power in a compact package. 

The simplified system-level design enables customers to achieve a longer service life with minimal intervention, resulting in little to no maintenance cost over the lifetime of the generator set. 

The 78-litre 18-cylinder QSK78 incorporates Cummins’ modular common rail fuel system (MCRS), which works in harmony with the electronic control modules to deliver precisely controlled fuel injection at extremely high pressures, enabling efficient fuel burn. 

The combustion process is further optimised by the air handling system developed by Cummins Turbo Technologies. 

The system allows the turbochargers to extract thermal energy out of the exhaust stream that would normally just be lost. 

Optimised cooling pulls heat out of the compressed gas and enables delivery of low-temperature, high-density air back into the cylinder. 

The latest Cummins PowerCommand™ Module draws everything together – the engine, the alternator and the controls – for optimum efficiency. 

All Centum Series models are authorised for use with paraffinic fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), without any engine modifications required. 

Alexander Marino, global marketing manager, data centres for Cummins, said the power density achieved by the QSK78 was broadly equivalent to that of the QSK95, so customers could expect greater affordability in the package. “It is also hugely reassuring that the entire Centum 78 product for markets outside of North America is coming from one country – the UK – and a plant (Daventry) which is seen as a world leader for quality.”

The Next Evolution of High-Capacity Power

Heavy-Duty QSK78 Engine

Rugged four-cycle industrial diesel delivers reliable power, low emissions. 

Alternator

Several alternator sizes offer selectable motor starting capability with low reactance 2/3 pitch windings; low waveform distortion with non-linear loads, fault clearing short-circuits capability, and class F or H insulation

Cooling System

Designed and tested for rated ambient temperatures, offers maximum flexibility for facility design requirements 

Control System

Standard PowerCommand® electronic control provides total system integration, including remote start/stop, precise frequency and voltage regulation, alarm and status message display, AmpSentry protection, output metering, auto-shutdown at fault detection and NFPA 110 Level 1 compliance 

NFPA 110 For Level 1 Systems

Accepts full rated load in a single step 

Data Centre Options

Closed crank case ventilation (CCV); oil sampling value; redundant starter; automatic oil makeup system; standard Duplex fuel filters; and standard forced coolant heater 

Warranty and Service

Backed by a comprehensive warranty and worldwide distributor network