Which Tier/Stage generator do I need for my application?
What are generator Tiers/Stages and why do we need them?
Whether you’re located in the USA or Europe, legislation exists to regulate harmful emissions and improve air quality. These regulations apply to both on and off-road vehicles, including, non-road diesel engines and stationary diesel engine generator sets.
In the USA, the Clean Air Act (1970) introduced specific emission regulations, enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In Europe, a number of EU Directives specify regulations relating to emission standards for diesel engines used in new, non-road mobile machinery.
The main emissions to be reduced are as follows:
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Hydrocarbons (HC)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Particulate matter (PM)
Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC)
In order to meet the regulatory goals, both regions (USA & Europe) implemented a gradual Tier (USA)/ Stage (EU) based process to allow time to develop the knowledge and technologies necessary to improve engine emissions.
In the USA, 5 Tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2 Tier 3, Tier 4 & Tier 4 Final) have been implemented to reduce harmful emissions. As the years progress, each tier gradually and incrementally sets more stringent requirements on emissions and provides a limit/cap.
In Europe, at present there are 5 Stages (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV and Stage V). Stage I was implemented in 1991 and Stage V standards came into effect in 2019.
What generator stage do I need for my application in Europe?
In Europe, Stage V emissions standards came into force in 2019 for non-road diesel engines. If your application is related to construction, agriculture, materials handling, industrial use and diesel powered generators, then this applies to you.
What are the main changes with Stage V emission standards?
One of the major changes for Stage V is that a DPF (diesel particulate filter) is to be fitted and additional controls are required.
A diesel particulate filter is a highly efficient (98%+) filter for the particles that come from burning diesel fuel.
Most engines from 19kW to 37kW will now be electronic common rail turbo-charging with DOC and DPF strategies.
Engines from 37kW – 560kW now require a DPF.
At present, the EU does not regulate emissions from engines rated less than 19 kW or more than 560 kW.
What generator tier do I need for my application in the USA?
Tier 4 regulations were first introduced in the USA in 2008 and were phased in according to the engine’s power rating. Engines rated 37 kW-56 kW were subject to the standards in 2008, 130 kW- 560kW and more than 560 kW in 2011 and 56 kW-130 kW in 2012.
Tier 4 standards apply to new engines found in off-road equipment including construction, mining and agricultural equipment, marine vessels and work-boats, locomotives and stationary engines found in industrial and power generation applications.
The standards apply to only new and re-manufactured engines and do not apply to older engines.
Tier 4 compliant engines significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) to near zero levels. In comparison with previous emissions standards, Tier 4 compliant engines reduce emissions by over 95% for most agricultural and construction equipment and over 86% for much larger applications like locomotives and marine vessels.
What is the difference between Tier 4 and Tier 4 Final?
Under the Tier 4 Final standards, engines rated 130-560kW will require an additional 80 percent reduction in NOx emissions from Tier 4 levels.
Tier 4 Final and Stage V compliant generators.
Rapid Power Generation manufacture bespoke Tier 4 Final and Stage V emissions compliant diesel powered generators, for a wide range of applications. With over thirty years’ experience in diesel power, Rapid Power Generation has the expertise to provide a superior power solution for every requirement.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your emission compliant diesel power requirements.