Overview#
The Cat G3516H is a high-performance natural gas generator set delivering continuous power for cogeneration, distributed generation, and baseload industrial applications. The V-16 engine features a Separate Circuit Aftercooled (SCAC) air system, ADEM4 electronic controls with integrated intelligence module, and an air-fuel ratio control system designed for low-emission operation at 1.0 g/bhp-hr NOx.
Available in voltages from 480V through 13,800V medium voltage, the G3516H is designed for continuous duty with high electrical efficiency. The engine supports fuel methane numbers down to 50 (with derating) and operates with a low-pressure fuel system (1.5-5.0 psig).
Key specifications#
- Continuous power: 1,982 ekW (2,477 kVA) at 0.8 power factor (at 1500 RPM)
- Engine: Cat G3516H, V-16
- Compression ratio: 12.1:1
- Aspiration: Turbocharged with SCAC (Separate Circuit Aftercooling)
- Fuel: Natural gas, low pressure with air-fuel ratio control
- NOx emissions: 1.0 g/bhp-hr
- Generator efficiency: 96.3% at full load
- Genset efficiency: 44.7% at full load (ISO 3046/1)
- Total efficiency (electrical + thermal): 86.4% at full load
Fuel consumption#
At continuous rated load (1,982 ekW at 1500 RPM):
- 100% load: 292 scfm (17,520 scfh), 7,725 Btu/ekW-hr (ISO)
- 75% load: 223 scfm (13,380 scfh), 7,889 Btu/ekW-hr
- 50% load: 157 scfm (9,420 scfh), 8,300 Btu/ekW-hr
Acoustic data#
Sound power levels at full load (1,982 ekW):
- Mechanical: 122.8 dB(A) overall
- Exhaust: 125.5 dB(A) overall
Sound data measured per ISO 3747 (mechanical) and ISO 6798 (exhaust). Actual installed levels will vary based on enclosure, site acoustics, and cooling system configuration.
Cogeneration capability#
The G3516H achieves 86.4% total efficiency when heat recovery is included, making it an ideal platform for combined heat and power (CHP) installations. Recoverable heat sources include jacket water, lube oil, first-stage aftercooler, and exhaust (to 248 deg F).
Our service experience#
The G3516H is a sophisticated gas engine requiring precise fuel system management and aftercooler temperature control. The SCAC inlet temperature must be maintained within tight tolerances to prevent detonation. Air-fuel ratio control requires up to 180 seconds to stabilize after load steps. Regular spark plug inspection, valve adjustment, and ignition timing verification are critical to maintaining performance and emissions compliance.
At nearly 2 MW of continuous output, this is a project-grade installation. The 69-liter V16 requires shop-level tooling for valve train, fuel system, and turbocharger service — field service van work is not appropriate at this scale. Budget for factory-authorized Cat Power service technicians on all major maintenance events and a planned annual shutdown window.
For CHP applications, heat recovery system integration must be commissioned concurrently with the generator. The exhaust heat exchanger, jacket water heat exchanger, and lube oil cooler all carry meaningful heat recovery potential — engage a mechanical engineer to size the heat recovery loop before finalizing the site design.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What is the continuous power rating of the Cat G3516H? The Cat G3516H is rated 1,982 ekW (2,477 kVA) at 0.8 power factor at 1500 RPM for continuous duty. The standby figure is 2,027 kW. The unit is designed for continuous-duty applications including cogeneration and baseload distributed generation — not emergency standby-only service.
What voltages are available on the Cat G3516H? 480V, 4,160V, and 13,800V three-phase. The medium- and high-voltage options allow direct connection to campus and utility distribution systems without step-up transformers, which is common in CHP and industrial paralleling array installations.
What NOx emissions level does the G3516H achieve? 1.0 g/bhp-hr NOx, measured per EPA stationary spark-ignition standards. The ADEM4 air-fuel ratio control system and SCAC aftercooling architecture are central to achieving this level without exhaust aftertreatment on natural gas.
Is the Cat G3516H suitable for cogeneration? Yes. The G3516H achieves 86.4% total efficiency when heat recovery is included. Recoverable heat sources include jacket water, lube oil, first-stage aftercooler, and exhaust to 248 degrees F, making it an ideal platform for combined heat and power (CHP) installations at hospitals, campuses, and industrial plants.
What fuel supply does the G3516H require? Natural gas at low pressure (1.5–5.0 psig). The engine supports fuel methane numbers down to 50 (with derating). At 100% continuous load the unit consumes approximately 17,520 ft3/hr (292 scfm) — a utility gas service engineering review is required before installation.
What are the service intervals for the Cat G3516H? Oil changes and spark plug inspection at approximately 1,000-hour intervals. Air filter service at 500 hours. Major overhaul at approximately 30,000 hours. Confirm exact intervals with the OEM service manual — the G3516H operating profile (load factor, fuel quality) affects actual interval recommendations.
