Company profile: FG Wilson

European Directives continue to play an increasing role in the power generation industry when it comes to product development. Over the past two years, two major Directives were introduced which require product to be compliant in an enlarged European Union. FG Wilson, global manufacturer of diesel and gas generating sets, is at the forefront of the move to cleaner, quieter and more efficient diesel powered generating sets in compliance with such EU Directives. The company has made considerable investment in developing compliant diesel generating sets capable of meeting and exceeding the legislation.

Cleaner engines

Challenges to the power generation industry were posed by the introduction of EU Stage II Emissions Legislation, (Directive 2002/88EC) on 1st January 2007. This Directive limits the emission levels of engines used in off-road, transportable applications. Each stage of the legislation further limits the permitted emissions of four specific pollutants – hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter.

FG Wilson has risen to the challenge through product innovations such as an advanced combustion system design enabling significant reduction in smoke and harmful gaseous emissions. Enhanced fuel systems, turbos and cylinders also ensure confidence in this reliable and durable product for non-emissions legislated markets. The company’s new low emissions product range is not only more environmentally friendly than before, but also retains all performance and efficiency advantages.

Preparation is already underway at FG Wilson for the next stage of EU Emissions Legislation, due to take effect in 2011.

Quieter engines

The Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Directive 2000/14/EC, which came into effect in January 2006, provided product development challenges in relation to noise emissions. The Directive applied to a spectrum of product types from gardening to construction and electric power generation equipment. Such products must bear a CE-mark as an indication of their guaranteed sound-power level and be accompanied by an EC declaration of conformity before they can be placed on the market. The guaranteed sound-power level is as defined in EN ISO 3744 and EN ISO 3745.

In order to be fully compliant with the aforementioned noise emission legislation FG Wilson invested millions of dollars in the development of a unique acoustic centre, which opened in 2005 as part of its Engineering Centre of Excellence. The acoustic centre is yet another step towards employing engineering working practices that help the company maintain its leading position in the industry.

The new multi-purpose centre has two major components – a hemi-anechoic chamber and a reverberation chamber. The hemi-anechoic chamber provides a 20-metre diameter space in which frequencies can be measured and certified to EN ISO 3744 and EN ISO 3745 standards. As testimony to FG Wilson’s confidence in its standards, Lloyds conducted an independent audit on the company as part of a Quality Management System.

The facility also incorporates plant and control rooms and an engine test cell. From December 2005 therefore, FG Wilson’s generating sets have complied with Directive 2000/14/EC, in addition to all other UK, EU and US noise regulations. A 2db (400 KW) reduction in noise levels was achieved by modifying canopies. There was no increase to the dimensions of any generating set.

An essential element of this improvement process has been a move away from the traditional cycle of “build, test and evaluate” in the development of new product, towards “simulate, virtual build and evaluate”. This cycle ensures faster development times for new products and technologies.

Keeping abreast of product design technology, FG Wilson uses the computer-aided design package Pro/E Wildfire. This programme facilitates the creation 3D models enabling rapid visibility and communication with key stakeholders at the crucial design stage.

In addition, specialist analysis software is used such as Fluent for computational fluid dynamics for airflow and cooling performance prediction, and Synopses for vibro-acoustic performance prediction. Structural analysis is conducted using ALGOR – a leading software for finite element analysis. Recent developments include simulating the forced frequency response of a new engine and alternator combination to establish and optimise the package vibration signature, prior to building the first prototype.

European dealers

FG Wilson is evidently committed to the European market. Compliance with all relevant legislation allows FG Wilson to continue to serve its extensive European customer base through a dealer network of 63 dealers spanning over 25 countries.

The FG Wilson website, with its vast store of essential business information, is currently available in 6 languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian – with plans to introduce more languages in the future. Also, in accordance with EU legislation, FG Wilson operator’s manuals are available in all European languages.

FG Wilson dealers are generating set experts offering vast market knowledge enabling the successful introduction of new products to the market along with support services such as installation, spare part sales and servicing.

Find out more: visit www.FGWilson.com, e-mail: Sales@FGWilson.com or contact your local FG Wilson Dealer.

In the hemi-anechoic chamber, frequencies can be measured and certified to EN ISO 3744 and EN ISO 3745 standards.