MQ introduces "ultra silent" whisperwatt gen-sets: new "environmentally sensitive" sets targeted for rental, event applications, as much as 9 dB reduction - A - Power Generation - portable 60 Hz generator sets

Diesel Progress North American Edition, May, 2003 by Mike Osenga

In what it is billing as its largest product release ever, MQ Power is introducing a line of portable 60 Hz generator sets as the successors to its WhisperWatt range.

The new line will continue to use the WhisperWatt brand name and feature six models with prime outputs from 25 to 150 kVa. The electrical power generation arm of Multiquip, Inc., MQ Power will build the new sets at its Danville, Ky., facility, said Bob Graydon, president and CEO of the Carson, Calif., manufacturer.

"We were getting very strong messages back from our customers that they wanted environmentally sensitive generator sets," Graydon said. "The environment is always an issue, but this time the feedback was loud and clear that they wanted a new level of environmental integration."

As such, Graydon said, the new Whisper Watt line has been totally redesigned to include full fluid and fuel spill containment. The new sets also feature a new and patented "ultra-silent" airflow design, which combined with extensive sound attenuation, reduces the noise levels to 56 to 63 dB(A) (depending on model) at 23 ft., levels that are as much as 9 dB(A) quieter than previous Whisper Watt models.

These are especially important features in that while the rental markets are the primary target, Graydon said the event power markets are also important for the new Whisperwatt gen-sets. To put the 9 dB(A) drop in perspective, he said the new sets are as quiet at 23 ft. as previous models were at 58 ft.

All six models use four-pole Denyo generators with a new automatic voltage regulator that Graydon said improves voltage regulation to [ or -]1.0 percent under block load, or [ or -]0.25 percent under steady state loads.

All six sets are powered by four-cycle, direct injection Tier 2 diesels, with one naturally-aspirated model, the five largest models turbo-charged, and the 150 kVa model also aftercooled.

Power for the 25 kVa set is a four-cylinder Isuzu AA-4LE2 diesel, while the 45 kVa set uses a four-cylinder Isuzu BB-4JG1T engine. The four largest gen-sets are powered by Deere engines, with the four-cylinder model 4045 diesel powering the 70 kVa and 82 kVa sets, and the six-cylinder 6068 Deere diesels powering the 125 kVa and 150 kVa models.

Graydon said the product introduction schedule for the new WhisperWatt gen-sets had the 25 kVa and 125 kVa introduced in April. This month the 45 kVa model debuts, with the 82 kVa unit coming in June. The 70 kVa and 150 kVa models will complete the product roll-out in August.

The patented "ultra silent" sound levels are the primary feature of the new WhisperWatt sets. The sound levels have been achieved, Graydon said, by creating airflow in two opposite directions, maximizing the cooling efficiency and minimizing the amount of air needed to provide the proper cooling. It was by reducing the amount of cooling air required, that the drop in sound levels could be achieved, he said.

Further, the gen-set housings have been divided into three compartments: generator, engine and radiator. Having separate housings for the engine and generator allows them to have a cooling source separate from the radiator.

The radiator's electric cooling fan draws outside air through louvered vents, directly from the rear of the housing. This airflow cools the radiator and then is discharged vertically.

The engine fan pulls in a separate airflow that cools the engine and generator and exits the housing via a muffler. As such, Graydon said, less air is needed as it does not cool the radiator, and allows a large capacity/low noise muffler to be used.

This dual airflow design also allows for fewer engine compartment openings, also reducing noise. In addition, the air intake has foam-lined dividers that block sound from exiting the housing, as well as preventing water intake.

The new models also have a new skid base design that integrates 24-hour fuel capacity into the generator housing. This new design, while having full fluid and fuel containment, will not trap rainwater. A bolt-down radiator fill cover replaces the previous cap design and prevents water intake. Graydon said the new design has been tested at up to 2 in. of rain per hour. The bases have external service drains and a containment basin drain.

The new WhisperWatt sets are mounted on a lower deck trailer that reduces the overall generator height. With the fuel tank now integral to the generator housing, the sets can be removed from a trailer and still have 24 hours of fuel available.

Other changes from the previous WhisperWatt models finds the fuel fill now located inside of the generator housing, an environmental consideration, and a new fuel filter/water separator with top-mounted fuel priming pump is used. The separator has a warning light when too much water has accumulated in the filter housing.

A new Quick-Glow preheating process allows for three second glow plug heating before ignition. An indicator light shuts off to indicate readiness.

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