Technical Innovations
Test chambers from Cincinnati Sub-Zero
The SAE 2002 World Congress in Cobo Center was the venue that Cincinnati Sub-Zero chose to unveil its new Z-Plus test chamber. The new line of chambers was designed to test products under various temperature and humidity conditions, as well as for extended performance and faster ramp rates.
The construction of the chamber allows customers to incorporate both left- and right-sided ports/slots and offers the ability for the chamber to be positioned against a wall. A hinged control platform with either a standard or touch screen chamber controller is available. Access is provided to all systems through easily removable side panels.
Standard sizes range from 0.22 to 0.91 m3 (8 to 32 ft3) of workspace volume with a temperature range of -73 to +190°C (-99 to +374°F) and a humidity range of 10-98% RH. Standard features include a one-handed latch, high-volume airflow, quiet operation, leveling legs, shelf, viewing window, interior chamber light, a 76-mm (3-in) port, and top vented exhaust. Options include a stainless-steel exterior, a reversible door, LN2 boost, and dry-air purge. The chambers meet CSA 1010.1-92 and UL 3101-1 requirements and are available with CE approval.
- Jean L. Broge
Bigger gensets from Volvo Penta
 The TAD1032GE 10-L diesel engine for power generation from Volvo Penta has a dry mass of 1107 kg (2440 lb) and produces 296 kW (397 hp). |
Diesel engines for generator sets represent an increasingly important market for Volvo Penta. The company has a strong position in the European market where the engines are particularly in demand for heavy-duty applications such as rental or mobile generator sets. China and the surrounding region is an expanding market as is the rest of Asia. Volvo has added to the product range the TAD1032GE, a new 10-L diesel engine developed specifically for power generation. For marine genset systems, Volvo now offers systems up to 1700 kW (2280 hp) and a 65-L displacement.
The TAD1032GE is an inline six-cylinder, turbo-equipped, charge-air-cooled diesel engine. It produces 296 kW (397 hp) and is equipped with electronic speed control as standard for precise control of the engine. The fuel system is tuned with an inline pump and six hole injectors that work at high pressures in conjunction with the combustion chamber to provide the optimum distribution of fuel in the cylinder for lower fuel consumption and emissions. The engine has a low noise level, with the engine block optimized for low noise levels and a low revolution fan.
The engine was designed to cope with high output demands over extended periods without compromising reliability or lifetime, including a vibration dampened crankshaft with seven bearings. The cooling system has a gear-driven water pump, integrated oil cooler, and high-capacity oil pump. Intake air is cooled by an air-to-air intercooler.
 Volvo developed a new electronic monitoring and control system for its marine genset engines so that each could process both digital and analog signals. Pictured is the D30 inline six-cylinder engine. |
Service intervals were increased through replaceable valve seats/guides, valve control, and replaceable wet cylinder liners. All of Volvo's genset engines can be delivered as a Genpac, in which the engine is supplied mounted on a frame with the cooling package and cabling already assembled.
The company's new marine gensets are based on five marine diesel engines: D25 and D30 inline six-cylinder engines, D34 and D49 V12 engines, and the V16 D65 engines. The new gensets range from 420 to 1700 kW (563 to 2280 hp), with each engine having the same basic design. The generators from the complete marine genset system are supplied by OEMs. Volvo assembles and matches each engine and generator to meet applicable power requirements.
- Jean L. Broge
