Overview#
The MTU 20V4000 DS2800 is a 2,800 kW diesel standby generator set powered by the MTU 20V4000G836ECT — a 95.4-liter, 20-cylinder V-configuration turbocharged and charge-air-cooled diesel engine producing up to 3,010 kWm (4,036 bhp) gross at 1,800 rpm. With common rail fuel injection and ADEC (Advanced Diesel Engine Control) isochronous governance at ±0.25% speed regulation, the 4000-series is MTU's flagship power generation engine family.
At 2,800 kW, the DS2800 is a utility-scale standby asset. It is available in voltages spanning from 380V to 13,800V — including 4,160V, 12,470V, 13,200V, and 13,800V medium and high voltage configurations — making it suitable for direct connection to medium-voltage distribution systems without intermediate transformers. The prime rating is 2,500 kW.
The unit weighs 62,056 pounds and measures 300 inches (25 feet) in length — a class of installation requiring permanent concrete pads with structural engineering, crane lifts for installation and major service, and coordinated delivery logistics. The radiator on the DS2800 is rated for 48°C ambient (lower than the 50°C rating on smaller units) — a design consideration for hot climate installations.
Standard equipment includes a dedicated intercooler water pump circuit (separate from the jacket water cooling circuit), 24V electric start with 4,200 CCA total, PMG brushless alternator, and the MTU digital control panel with NFPA 110 compatibility and IP 54 front panel protection. UL 2200 listing and IBC seismic certification are available as options.
Technical Specifications#
Power Ratings (60 Hz, 1800 rpm, 0.8 PF)
| Rating | kW | kVA |
|---|---|---|
| Standby | 2800 | 3500 |
| Prime | 2500 | 3125 |
Engine — MTU 20V4000G836ECT
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 95.4 L (5,822 in³) |
| Configuration | 20-cylinder V |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged and charge-air-cooled |
| Fuel injection | Common rail |
| Rated speed | 1800 rpm |
| Governor | ADEC electronic isochronous, ±0.25% |
| Max gross power | 3,010 kWm (4,036 bhp) |
| Emissions | EPA Tier 2 |
| Starting | 24V electric, 4,200 CCA |
Fuel Consumption (Diesel #2)
| Load | Consumption |
|---|---|
| 100% load | 186 gph (704 L/hr) |
| 75% load | 146 gph (553 L/hr) |
| 50% load | 104 gph (394 L/hr) |
Physical (Open Power Unit)
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,626 mm (300.3 in) |
| Width | 3,099 mm (122 in) |
| Height | 3,569 mm (140.5 in) |
| Dry weight | 28,149 kg (62,056 lb) |
Cooling System
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Radiator ambient rating | 48°C (118°F) |
| Water pump capacity | 1,567 L/min (414 gpm) |
| Aftercooler pump capacity | 567 L/min (150 gpm) |
| Heat rejection to coolant | 1,040 kW |
| Heat rejection to aftercooler | 740 kW |
| Heat radiated to ambient | 237 kW |
Our Service Experience#
The 20V4000 is a true industrial powerplant, not a large standby generator. At 95.4 liters and 20 cylinders, service events at this scale require advance planning, specialist tooling, and factory-trained technicians. Valve adjustments, injector service, and turbocharger replacement all require dedicated equipment and multi-day planned shutdowns. Build this into lifecycle cost planning from day one.
The radiator ambient rating of 48°C (rather than the 50°C on smaller units) is important for California, Arizona, Nevada, and other hot-climate installations. Ensure the machine room or outdoor pad provides adequate clearance for the 3,082 m³/min (108,843 SCFM) of airflow the radiator requires at full load.
Fuel storage at 2,800 kW is substantial: at 186 gph, a 24-hour mission requires approximately 4,500 gallons at full load. Most large commercial and data center installations specify 72-hour fuel storage — requiring 13,000+ gallons with a day tank and remote fill capability. Engage a mechanical engineer for the fuel system design.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What voltages are available on the DS2800? 380V, 480V, 600V, 4,160V, 12,470V, 13,200V, and 13,800V three-phase. The high-voltage options (12.47kV and above) allow direct connection to campus-level medium-voltage distribution systems, eliminating the need for step-up transformers. Contact your MTU Onsite Energy distributor for current alternator availability by voltage.
What is the radiator ambient rating on the DS2800? 48°C (118°F) — slightly lower than the 50°C on smaller MTU diesel units. This must be factored into site thermal design for hot climate installations.
How much fuel does the DS2800 consume? 186 gallons per hour at 100% load on Diesel #2. At 75% average load factor (typical for standby), expect approximately 140 gph average during an outage.
What starting battery system does the DS2800 require? 24V electric start with 4,200 total CCA. This is a significantly higher battery capacity than any other unit in the MTU diesel standby line — ensure battery maintenance and testing protocols are part of the service contract.
