Cummins Powers up the S17 Genset

Cummins’ new S17 series can generate up to a megawatt of power in a compact package.

July 8, 2025

Matt Wolfe

The S17 is Cummins’ latest addition to its Centum Series diesel generator series. (Cummins)

Cummins has expanded its Centum diesel generator series that elevates sustained performance while maximizing power density. The latest addition to the company’s portfolio is a 17-liter engine platform that can provide up to one megawatt of power.

The S17 can generate up to one megawatt of power for a wide variety of commercial property needs. (Cummins)

“The S17 is engineered to redefine what you expect from an emergency standby package,” said Emily Scheuerell, Cummins power generation global engineering leader. According to Cummins, the S17 was a clean-sheet design that supports HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel flexibility and complies with EPA Tier 2, UL2200 and CSA 22.2 emissions standards.

“This industry-changing 17-liter engine is unique in its ability to deliver 1000 kW to the market with superior power density from a smaller footprint,” said Dean Gough, Cummins power gen Americas marketing leader.

Cummins states that the S17 has undergone over 25,000 hours of testing and validation and can satisfy standby power generation needs for a wide range of commercial properties such as healthcare facilities and water treatment plant

There are a total of five different versions of the S17 with power outputs ranging from 600 to 1000 kW and 750 to 1250 kVa. All versions operate at a frequency of 60 Hz. The S17 is an inline-six design with a bore and stroke of 148 mm x 163

Despite its large displacement, Cummins states that the S17’s physical footprint has been minimized as much as possible. (Cummins)

Cummins states that the S17 benefits from an innovative cylinder head cooling design and intelligently engineered coolant flow paths. These design considerations work in harmony to efficiently manage heat and maintain consistent engine temperatures, enhancing durability under demanding conditions.

Material usage in the S17 has been optimized thanks to atomic layer deposition (ALD) tools. Cummins claims that by using this process, material usage has been minimized so that material is placed only where it is needed. This ensures an optimal balance of strength and efficiency, contributing to the engine’s compact but powerful design.

The S17’s bearing system has also been specifically engineered to withstand the extreme stresses associated with a 1000-kW alternator while maintaining a small footprint.