EXECUTIVE REPORT continued
Scania promoted its latest engines at the Workshop.
Luis Mayor, Sales Manager I&M Engines with Scania, pointed out that AdBlue required careful management. It could freeze at low temperatures (from minus 11°C) and needed to be kept warm for optimum performance, so feed pumps were heated in operation.
And the implications that AdBlue has for hirers and users could be considerable. It was suggested that a larger generator could consume AdBlue at a rate of up to approximately 8% of the diesel used; on a 200kVA machine running for 24 hours at 100% capacity (admittedly an extreme scenario) up to 86 litres of AdBlue could be consumed. Himoinsa says its AdBlue tanks’ capacities are typically 10% of the diesel tank, and so in such a case the AdBlue would need to be topped up daily, or perhaps even more frequently (and larger external tanks have to be approved by the engine manufacturer).
Training requirements
Given that AdBlue can be corrosive to metal and requires careful handling, the training and operational procedures for site managers could be considerable. Engines would shut down if levels were not maintained and the use of any other liquids in the tank would be detected by the ECU.
Carlos Ibanez, Himoinsa’s Operations Director, told the conference that Stage V technology necessitated the use of diesel with low sulphur content, lubricants that avoided ash deposits and that running an engine for prolonged periods below 30% of its capacity could lead to the DPF clogging. Also, while larger generators are often connected to external fuel tanks for longer running times, this is currently not practical for AdBlue, which can crystallise and can cause injector faults if misfuelling occurs. Himoinsa has launched its S5 range of meet Stage V, spanning 9kVA to 550kVA and being phased in from Q4 of 2019. They are designed for low noise and have new control panels to monitor AdBlue levels.
During the Workshop, EHN spoke to a number of hirers and the consensus was that Stage V represents a significant challenge in educating customers about the need to maintain the generators and to train operators. Himoinsa is currently trialling a remote monitoring system, Fleet Manager, which will track machine status via various mobile devices.
10
However, another striking recent development is Himoinsa’s recent launch of generators running on LPG or natural gas. These are claimed to exceed Stage V emissions requirements as they produce virtually zero emissions. Himoinsa’s Gas Product Manager, Manuel Aguilera, explained that four models have been introduced with capacities of 25kVA, 40kVA, 70kVA and 110kVA. Power comes from three gas cylinders housed in the bottom of the machine, giving 450 litres of usable gas. These can be filled in ten minutes and machines can be refuelled at a filling station if on a road-tow trailer, or replenished on site. Running times of up to 45 hours are said to be achievable. An external supply (LPG or natural gas) can also be used, but these need to be approved by the fuel supplier.
LPG generator models
The machines use a Ford factory-approved modified LPG/natural gas RSG862 engine and the quoted service intervals are every 400 hours - and no AdBlue would be needed, which could be very attractive long-term for the hirer to avoid further emission reductions, although hirers and users would need to manage gas supplies and deliveries. Overall running costs are said to be much lower than a Stage V diesel set when considering lower maintenance and guaranteed clean fuel supply.
Clive Dix, MD of Himoinsa Power Solutions UK, told EHN that an LPG generator has been on trial for several months at the company’s base in Crewe, and that Himoinsa is discussing the logistic of on-site gas supplies with key providers. One hirer in The Netherlands is already running LPG models and Clive Dix said he received orders for machines immediately after the Workshop.
Himoinsa offers four generators fuelled by LPG or natural gas.
Himoinsa’s conference certainly helped raise awareness of Stage V and it showed there are challenges ahead in meeting the new regulations’ requirements.
• 01270 536940
www.himoinsa.com
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