Perkins Expands Power Range with New Large Engines

Perkins Engines’ most powerful line of electronic engines delivers up to 1500-kWe emergency standby power for a range of critical applications.

April 1, 2021

Ryan Gehm

The new 5000 Series engine range achieves full recovery after first load step within 13 seconds. (Perkins)

The timing of Perkins Engines’ North American launch of its most powerful line of electronic engines, which delivers up to 1500-kWe emergency standby power for a range of critical applications, was striking, given the widespread power outages that afflicted Texas just weeks later. Engineered and built to provide emergency power for datacenters, hospitals and commercial buildings, the 5000 Series already has been tested for performance and durability with thousands of running hours.

A purpose-built core engine design delivers lower fuel consumption and higher power density of 32.7 kWe/L. (Perkins)

“With multiple engine models offering a substantial power output of up to 1500 kWe – ideal for a 1.5 MWe generator set – every aspect of the new 5000 Series engine range, from its load acceptance capabilities to custom-created components and innovative engineering techniques, has been designed to optimize our customers’ needs for quick, reliable and cost-effective power,” Americas sales director Bill Giunta said in a release.

Optimized turbochargers enable the new 5000 Series engines to deliver load acceptance meeting ISO 8528-5 G2 and G3 standards, and the ability to accept NFPA 100 percent block load. The 5000 Series achieves full recovery after first load step within 13 seconds. “The engine’s ability to very quickly deliver stable backup power is a vital requirement for critical applications,” said 5000 Series product manager, Steve Chesworth. “The 5000 Series is the culmination of many years of research, development and rigorous testing.”

The first model in the series to be released is the 5008C-E30TAG, an eight-cylinder, inline 60-Hz engine available as 900 and 1000 kWe standby power nodes. (Perkins)

“The Perkins team is looking forward to providing additional engineering and testing support for the 5000 Series, as we work alongside our customers to optimize engine performance in their generator sets,” Giunta added. The first model in the series to be released is the 5008C-E30TAG, an eight-cylinder, inline 60-Hz engine available as 900 and 1000 kWe standby power nodes. A purpose-built core engine that includes refined injector flow rates and an enhanced camshaft design delivers lower fuel consumption and higher power density of 32.7 kWe/L from a smaller footprint, Chesworth said.

Electronic sensors with wireless communication capability come standard, allowing operators to remotely monitor the generator and engine. The engine has high ambient and altitude capabilities, offering up to 131°F (55°C) ambient temperature. With a three-year, 1,500-hour warranty for standby, the engine reportedly offers lower cost of ownership including an oil service interval of 750 hours or two years and ease of maintenance with single-side servicing.

“I’m very excited about the opportunities the 5000 Series will create for us to extend [our] brand reputation and further grow our business in North America,” said Jaz Gill, VP of global sales, marketing, service and support. The 5000 Series will be supported by Perkins’ network of 92 distributors covering 183 countries.