Reciprocating Generators Pick Up Steam in Power Industry with $2.55 Billion in Projects

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Technological advances are making reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE) a more competitive form of power generation. Their popularity also has been fueled by low natural gas prices, support for intermittent renewable energy, and their peaking capability. Industrial Info is tracking 36 reciprocating generator projects in North America valued at more than $2.55 billion.

RICE generators can operate at a partial load of 25% or lower without sacrificing fuel efficiency, and they can be maintained at a much lower cost when compared with combustion turbines. RICE units can ramp up to full load in about five minutes and operate at 33% of their full output without compromising their heat rates. Heat rates are commonly used in power plants to indicate their efficiency; a lower heat rate (Btu/kWh) is considered better.

For more information, see January 2, 2018, article - Gas-Fired Power Development Poised to Surge in 2018, 2019.

Reciprocating generators also are the last line of defense during natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, wildfires and mudslides. When placed into city or community micro grid systems, they can be used by first responders to rescue and relocate victims, and medical facilities and endangered residents to keep lights, water systems and accommodations operational.

Diesel and natural gas reciprocating generators represent the fastest-selling, least-expensive form of distributed-generation technology in the world. The global market is expected to grow to more than 103 gigawatts by 2024 due to low capital costs, fast-start capabilities and critical infrastructure capabilities.

RICE generators have a multi-shaft modular design and can operate on multiple fuels. They also are easy to site; little water is required due to closed-loop cooling systems and low fuel-gas pressures. Buildings that house engines and personnel are crafted from a light industrial design that can blend in with many locations due to low height structures.

Though conventional fuels, such as natural gas and diesel, are most typically used in RICE units, they also can burn landfill gas, coal-mine methane from landfills and biogas, which makes them a flexible electrical-generating component.

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