CG132 or CG170 – Which is the best Cat® generator for your needs?
Choosing the right generator is crucial for ensuring efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in power generation. With expertise and history, Caterpillar® is one of the top players in generator technology, offering a range of options to meet diverse needs. Among their most notable products are the CG132 and CG170 series, each designed to cater to specific applications and power requirements.
Exploring Caterpillar® – What’s to know on the construction giant?
Caterpillar® is a globally known powerhouse in fields like construction machinery and gas engines. In this article, we will provide a general overview of the company.
The CG132 series is known for its efficiency and reliability, making it a popular choice for various industries. On the other hand, the CG170 series represents a more advanced line with higher power output and enhanced features, suitable for more demanding industrial settings.
This article delves into the basic facts, model types, and specific applications of the CG132 and CG170 generators, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you determine which is best suited for your needs. Additionally, it explores how optimizing gensets with PowerUP can further enhance the performance and efficiency of Caterpillar® generators.
The CG132 series represents a versatile line of Caterpillar®gas engines known for their efficiency and reliability. These generators are designed to deliver consistent performance in various industrial applications, making them a popular choice for both power generation and cogeneration projects. The CG132 series is particularly noted for its high electrical efficiency and robust construction, ensuring long-term operation with minimal maintenance.
The CG132 series is engineered to provide high electrical efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. These models are suitable for a wide range of applications, including natural gas and biogas generation, making them versatile solutions for various energy needs. With capacities between 400 and 1000 kW, they are ideal for small- and mid-scale applications.
CG132B-8, CG132B-12, and CG132B-16
The Caterpillar® CG132 series offers versatile and efficient gas generators designed to meet diverse industrial needs. Here, we focus on three specific models: CG132B-8, CG132B-12, and CG132B-16, highlighting their characteristics and differences.
| Feature | CG132B-8 | CG132B-12 | CG132B-16 (400-800 kW) | CG132B-16 (700-1000 kW) |
| Continuous Power Rating | 400 kW | 600 kW | 800 kW | 1000 kW |
| Fuel Types | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) | Natural Gas, Biogas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) | Natural Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) |
| Maximum Electrical Efficiency | 43.1% | 43.3% | 43.5% | 41.5% |
| Engine Model | CG132 -8 | CG132 | CG132 | CG132B |
| Displacement | 17.5 L | 26.3 L | 35 L | 35 L |
| Frequency | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 Hz |
| RPM | 1500 / 1800 rpm | 1500 / 1800 rpm | 1500 / 1800 rpm | 1500 rpm |
| Bore | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Stroke | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3100 x 1780 x 2150 mm | 3830 x 1780 x 2150 mm | 4200 x 1780 x 2150 mm | 4200 x 1780 x 2150 mm |
| Dry Weight | 5720 kg | 7000 kg | 8070 kg | 8070 kg |
Source: Caterpillar®. https://www.cat.com/en_US.html. Accessed: 06/10/2024.
CG170 – General overview and model types
The CG170 series by Caterpillar® represents an advanced and powerful line of gas generators designed for high-demand industrial applications. These models are engineered to deliver high performance, electrical efficiency, and robust reliability, making them suitable for various challenging environments.
Typical fields of application for CG170 generator sets include combined heat and power generation, electrical power generation, and various biogas applications in agriculture, landfills, sewage, and the food industry. They come with capacities between 1200 and 2000 kW, which makes them desirable in large-scale applications.
Different model types
The CG170 series by Caterpillar® includes a range of advanced gas generators designed for high-demand industrial applications – here is an overview:
| Feature | CG170-12 | CG170-12 K | CG170B-12 | CG170-16 | CG170-16 K | CG170B-16 | CG170B-20 |
| Power Output (kW) | 1200 | 1125 | 1380 | 1560 | 1500 | 1840 | 2300 |
| Fuel Types | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas | Natural Gas | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas | Natural Gas | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) | Natural Gas, Biogas, Coal Gas, Hydrogen Blend (up to 25%) |
| Maximum Electrical Efficiency | 43.4% | 40.9% | 45% | 43.3% | 40.9% | 44.7% | 45.0% |
| Engine Model | CG170-12 | CG170K-12 | CG170B-12 | CG170-16 | CG170K-16 | CG170B-16 | CG170B-20 |
| Displacement | 53.1 L | 53.1 L | 53 L | 70.8 L | 70.8 L | 71 L | 89 L |
| Frequency | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz |
| RPM | 1500 rpm | 1500 / 1800 rpm | 1500 rpm | 1500 / 1800 rpm | 1500 / 1800 rpm | 1500 rpm | 1500 rpm |
| Bore | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Stroke | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 5970 x 1778 x 2210 mm | 5970 x 1810 x 2210 mm | 5080 x 1710 x 2190 mm | 6640 x 1778 x 2210 mm | 6640 x 1810 x 2210 mm | 6100 x 1710 x 2190 mm | 6556 x 1706 x 2263 mm |
| Dry Weight | 13000 kg | 13000 kg | 12900 kg | 14900 kg | 14900 kg | 17400 kg | 21490 kg |
Source: Caterpillar®. https://www.cat.com/en_US.html. Accessed: 06/10/2024.
Comparing CG132 or CG170: When to use what?
When choosing between the CG132 and CG170 series from Caterpillar®, it is essential to consider your specific power requirements, operational environment, and budget. Each series offers advantages that make them suitable for different applications.
The CG132 series is ideal for applications requiring moderate power output with high efficiency and reliability. With models like the CG132B-8, CG132B-12, and CG132B-16, offering power outputs from 400 kW to 800 kW, these generators are suitable for smaller to mid-sized industrial operations. They excel in scenarios where energy efficiency is crucial, such as in biogas plants and small-scale cogeneration systems. The CG132 models are known for their low maintenance needs and long service intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.
On the other hand, the CG170 series is designed for high-demand applications that require substantial power output. Models like the CG170-12, CG170-16, and CG170B-20 offer power outputs ranging from 1200 kW to 2000 kW. These generators are suitable for large industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, and extensive cogeneration projects. The CG170 is known for its control systems and high electrical efficiency, making it ideal for continuous, heavy-duty operations. They also provide high fuel flexibility, capable of running on natural gas, biogas, and other gaseous fuels depending on the specific model type.
Optimizing gensets by MWM® and Caterpillar® – with PowerUP
PowerUP specializes in maintaining and optimizing the performance of gensets from brands like Caterpillar® and MWM®, including the CG132 and CG170 or the TCG2016 and TCG2020 series. Our services are designed to ensure that these generators operate at peak efficiency, providing reliable power for various industrial applications.
We at PowerUP offer comprehensive services such as gas engine repair and maintenance of gas generators. We focus on maximizing fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs, and extending the lifespan of gensets through proactive and preventative remote service and on-site field service.
At PowerUP, we also provide advanced monitoring services, allowing for real-time data analytics and performance optimization. By using high-quality gas engine spare parts, PowerUP ensures that the integrity and reliability of the generators are maintained. These services make PowerUP a vital partner for industries like Caterpillar® generators, helping to maintain continuous and efficient operations.
