While demonstrating FG Wilson’s new 6.8 – 25 kVA universal product range launched in 2017, Michael Milligan, who was part of the team behind it explains how it came about
“When we began, we were thinking most of all about designing a generator set for telecoms operators who often have large numbers of generator sets in remote locations, which means operating costs are very important. The design which we put into production comes straight from a shopping basket for the ideal generator set, drawn up by our customers and dealers. And now it’s proving to be so attractive to a much wider range of customers that we’re integrating it into our core product range.”
This means a big emphasis on operating costs and high levels of flexibility in product options and configuration. To minimise site visits for maintenance and fuel replenishment, the range offers up to 1,000 hours between service intervals and comes with set-mounted fuel tanks of up to 2,000 litres. Owners can monitor generator sets from the Telecom NOC which helps to maximise uptime and also allows preparation for site visits, minimising servicing costs and ensures visits are only made when needed.
The product options list includes a flexible range of enclosures with three levels of sound attenuation as low as 57 dBA at seven metres. This means operators can meet local noise regulations with an enclosure which is right for their needs. And if a generator set needs to be moved to a new location, its modular-designed enclosures can easily be upgraded to ensure it meets all local noise regulations.
Control systems played a big part in product design. Michael says, “We’ve incorporated a high level of flexibility into control systems and remote communications to allow our generator set to integrate seamlessly with any hybrid system. And we’re partnering with hybrid manufacturers to confirm compatibility and ensure efficient and fast deployment of our products on site.”
Using market-leading control modules, including built-in mains sensing and changeover systems, the generator sets are designed to be easily and quickly deployed. Complete with the latest Deep Sea controllers, the range can be tailored to meet all technical requirements, from configurable alarms and protections, to remote monitoring, control and preventative maintenance. Plug and play options allow upgrading on site when required.
With security in mind, the range conceals all fuel pipework and fuel-filling connections, protecting against fuel theft. Optional security features include lockable door latches and GPS tracking devices.
As with all FG Wilson products, the new range has been tested and validated at FG Wilson’s Larne facility in the UK, a $26 million Centre of Excellence which also houses Europe’s largest Hemi-Anechoic Chamber for noise testing. Here, all FG Wilson products are given intense pre-launch testing which include vibration, engine/alternator cooling, electromagnetic compatibility, noise, water ingress and rating/transient performance.
According to Michael, this is especially important. “We’re a volume manufacturer and we take reliability extremely seriously. We know from past experience that rigorous upfront design, testing and validation lead to superior reliability throughout a product’s lifetime and that this can save customers a substantial amount of money over time."
The new FG Wilson 6.8 – 25 kVA universal product range is now available to order. You can find out more from www.fgwilson.com or from your local FG Wilson dealer.
