Caterpillar has introduced the Cat DG450 Compact natural gas generator set, a new 450 kW ultra-low NO_x power solution specifically configured for non-emergency applications in non-attainment areas designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Cat DG450 Compact generator set uses up to 60% less space when compared with traditional multi-unit generator set specifications, reducing site preparation costs and offering budget-conscious power system redundancy.

The gas generator set is compatible with the Cat Active Management Platform (AMP), a proven distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) solution that helps customers monitor, manage, and monetize these natural gas generator sets and other Cat power solutions. It can be applied with other distributed energy resource (DER) system components, such as Cat Energy Storage Solutions, while also managing customer load reductions. The platform monitors patterns from the grid and client facilities, analyzes opportunities in the energy industry, and then dispatches DERs to maximize return and monetize results without disrupting normal business operations.

The Cat DG450 Compact generator set offers performance across a wide range of pipeline natural-gas fuel pressures. It is suitable for prime power, peak shaving and demand response applications.

Jaime Mineart, senior vice president of Caterpillar Electric Power Division said:

“As demand response programs become more prevalent as a means for rapidly expanding power capacity in non-attainment areas, the Cat DG450 Compact generator set is positioned to offer customers reliable solutions that can be readily monetized at times of high energy demand,”

Non-attainment areas are regions in the U.S. designated by the EPA that exceed limits for one or more criteria pollutants where local regulatory authorities may establish stationary emission limits that are more stringent than standard EPA levels. There are hundreds of U.S. counties designated as non-attainment areas, including Southern California, the Eastern Seaboard from New England through the mid-Atlantic, and large municipalities in East Texas.

The Cat DG450 Compact generator set is available with optional, factory-installed switchgear in an easy-to-use single- or multi-mains control module with automatic transfer switch capabilities. Its grid communication hardware enables the monitoring and control of multiple assets to facilitate DERs monetization, while pre-cut cable kit connection options simplify the installation of up to four units.

The generator set is designed to meet the NFPA power restoration requirement for Level 1 systems and accept 100 percent block load in one step. It meets ISO 8528-5 requirements for steady state and load acceptance, and it is UL 2200 listed.

Hardware is pre-installed on each generator to provide access to Cat Connect Remote Asset Monitoring, which provides data visualization, reporting and alerts through an easy-to-use web interface or mobile app. Available on a subscription basis, it allows operators and Cat dealers to track and manage generator set operation, identify potential problems, perform remote troubleshooting, manage operational expenses, and leverage long-term archives of site performance history to identify opportunities for further operational and system enhancements.

The Cat DG450 Compact generator set is the latest addition to Caterpillar’s line of power solutions fueled by natural gas, providing customers with a versatile range of options that generate power when needed while allowing them to participate in energy market programs.

The company recently introduced four new Cat gas generator sets for small- to medium-sized standby and demand response applications from 350 kW to 500 kW, offering improved power density, fuel efficiency and emissions performance.

Caterpillar announced the introduction of 15 new gas generator sets from 20 to 200 kW rated for emergency standby, demand response and prime operation in small 60-Hz applications. They provide fuel flexibility by running on pipeline natural gas, propane and renewable natural gas with dual-fuel auto changeover technology, allowing users to connect both propane and natural gas sources to a single unit.