Cummins receives industry's first grid code compliance certification from independent certifier across its lean burn gas generator range

DAVENTRY, U.K. – Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announces the completion of the European grid code compliance (GCC) certification across its lean burn gas generator portfolio, becoming the first company to achieve this independent certification within the power generation space. 

 

The Cummins gas generators that have obtained the grid code certification, range from 0.5-2MW, including generator models from the newly released HSK78G and C25G gas generator series alongside some models from the established QSK60G series. The capabilities of all gas generators have been tested, assessed and verified by an independent third-party certification body – DNV GL based in Germany. Over the past two years, DNV GL have tested the high-efficiency gas generator units running in grid parallel mode to ensure these products comply to all the latest stringent European and UK regulations around grid paralleling. 

 

“Cummins has opted for impartial third-party certification as opposed to taking the self-certifying route as we are committed to provide high-quality and reliable products customers can depend on which are not only verified by Cummins but also certified by well-respected partners, such as DNV GL,” said Mark Duda, Cummins Senior Gas Product Manager.

 

To obtain this GCC certification, DNV GL in collaboration with a dedicated Cummins engineering team completed a considerable analysis which involved testing and recording hundreds of grid fault conditions while gas generators run in parallel with the UK National Grid. As a result, customers choosing Cummins gas generators for their installation projects, throughout Europe, can be assured that grid connection approval can be obtained easily and efficiently without any delays. As part of the certification process, Cummins completed a simulation modelling exercise which is now incorporated as a core product capability. This additional feature facilitates the customer’s on-site installation process and allows for better monitoring of the generator’s performance on a site level. 

 

Coupled with the above capabilities, customers utilizing any of these generator models can be confident that their products are not only robust and reliable, but fully-compliant with the latest European Grid Code mandated by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, also known as ENTSO-e. Additionally, Cummins has achieved certifications for Requirement for Generators (RfG), VDE 4110 Germany and G99 United Kingdom. Additional bespoke testing has been completed to ensure Cummins gas generators can comply with future regional codes expected to be released by other European members of state beyond the current GCC requirements. Consequently, customers are not required to complete additional testing and validation to meet European performance criteria. 

 

“Equipment certification of three product families provides Cummins with the independent confirmation of compliance with the grid connection requirements. Particularly for entering new markets, this is an important step for efficient network access and resource use that will be contributing towards grid stability when expanding decentralized power generation share,” said Bernd Hinzer, Head of Grid Code Compliance Certification at DNV GL – Energy.

 

“This independent third-party grid code compliance certification is a huge milestone for Cummins, and a significant competitive advantage which complements our existing value package of gas generator capabilities. This achievement is another example showing our ambition to provide innovative, proven and integrated gas solutions to our customers to solve any gas powered and distributed generation requirement,” added Duda.

 

With a power density of up to 2MW, Cummins lean-burn gas generators are designed to provide reliable power for a diverse set of industries from mining and manufacturing to shopping malls and hospitals; pushing the boundaries of efficiency and performance whilst achieving a low total cost of ownership. The barrier-breaking fuel flexibility offered across the range, enables the utilization of low-cost, low-BTU and free fuel sources, that would otherwise be considered waste products, delivering robust power with minimal derating.

 

Beyond the above product capabilities, Cummins offers customers unrivalled peace of mind when it comes to service and maintenance. Best in class aftermarket capabilities are provided through dedicated local contacts, who are supported by a global system of service technicians, engineers and parts distribution centers, experienced in offering and servicing natural gas solutions to respond to any gas power need.