Caterpillar celebrates production of 10,000th Cat C175 engine
Staff Report,
15 Jan 2024
Landmark unit earmarked for standby power solution at CloudHQ data centre in Virginia, USA
Caterpillar Inc. recently announced the production of the 10,000th engine on the Cat® C175 diesel platform, which has been used in power generation and other large-scale applications around the globe since 2009. The milestone was commemorated during a ceremony late last year at the company’s manufacturing facility in Lafayette, in the US state of Indiana.
CloudHQ, a global data centre developer, purchased the 16-cylinder Cat C175 configured in a 3000kW diesel generator set for its campus in Ashburn, USA, where it will be installed and commissioned by Carter Machinery, the local Cat dealer. CloudHQ has purchased more than 300 Cat generator sets to supply standby power for its data centre operations worldwide.
“Reliable power is a critical element in our strategy to drive our clients’ businesses forward at the speed they need,” said Keith Harney, chief operating officer for CloudHQ. “Our investment in the field-proven Cat C175 demonstrates how our ongoing collaboration with Caterpillar and the Cat dealer network supports our commitment to flexibility, scalability and customer service.”
Caterpillar offers 16- and 20-cylinder versions of the Cat C175 generator sets, with power ratings from 3000-4000kW for 60Hz standby and mission-critical applications, and 3000-4000kVA for 50Hz standby and mission-critical applications. The company produces configurations complying with leading emissions standards such as US EPA Tier 4 Final and US EPA Tier 2, as well as models for lesser regulated regions. Additionally, Cat C175 generator sets meeting US EPA Tier 4 Final standards can use up to 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable diesel fuel meeting EN15940.
Available worldwide, Cat C175 generator sets provide more power from a smaller footprint, reducing the amount of ancillary equipment required and associated installation costs.
“The C175 has been a reliable powerhouse across Caterpillar’s product lines for nearly 15 years, logging more than 140 million operating hours across numerous industry sectors,” said Bart Myers, Vice President and general manager for Caterpillar Large Electric Power. “The popularity of the C175 is a testament to its unmatched performance, efficiency, durability and long-term value for customers.”
Cat C175 generator sets are compatible with NFPA 110 Level 1 Type 10, and they are UL 2200 listed. They conform to ISO 8528-5 steady state and transient response requirements, and they are capable of accepting and recovering from a 100% block load.
For added functionality, the generator sets can be configured with Cat ECS, a suite of integrated, connected and scalable controllers. The Cat ECS allows customers to manage energy needs ranging from a single generator set to cohesive, full site microgrid solutions linking multiple assets. Cat ECS utilizes a simple, scalable architecture, allowing customers to layer additional functionality and serviceability with their changing energy needs. Additionally, they offer built-in plug-and-play features to facilitate the installation, commissioning and management of multiple power generation assets.
Cat C175 engines are used across Caterpillar’s product lines in applications including power generation, mining trucks, locomotive engines, marine propulsion, and offshore drilling and production. For example, the new Cat 793 mining truck is equipped with the Cat C175-16 engine, offering best-in-class payload, increased fuel efficiency and faster cycle times.
“The C175 has served as an irreplaceable workhorse for the mining industry thanks to its lower operating and maintenance costs,” said David Rea, vice president & general manager of Cat Large Mining Trucks. “With its fuel efficiency, high power density and extended service intervals, the C175 is purpose-built for the long haul, making it a mainstay in mining fleets for the foreseeable future.”
Caterpillar delivers innovative power systems engineered for sustainability, durability, reliability, and value. The company offers worldwide product support, with parts and services packaged in customer value agreements available through the Cat® dealer network. In addition, Cat® dealer technicians are trained to provide a comprehensive range of maintenance and services that help customers optimize the total cost of ownership of Cat equipment.