FAQs


Power Generation & Cogeneration Professional Manufacturer

Gas Products Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.What is the biggest feature of PowerLink?

PowerLink is a professional manufacturer of power energy equipment, with over 20 years of experience in R&D, manufacturing, overseas sales, and services, we value R&D investment and efficiency management. In the field of natural gas, biogas, and other distributed energy supply, we have accumulated rich engineering knowledge and service management experience. We believe that we are a forward-thinking and visionary enterprise in this field, and we hope to create the maximum value and profit for our customers and various investment institutions.

2.Does PowerLink provide EPC engineering contracting services?

Yes, we have an EPC engineering contracting service team.

After you submit a request, we will provide a complete set of solutions, including design, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, services, etc., and complete the project as required within the specified time, while controlling the cost within your budget.

3.What are the features of PowerLink gas gensets?

Modular design, advanced technology, and high cost-effectiveness. We are a manufacturer with a very profound understanding of equipment systems, whether it is hardware such as engines and generators, or software such as automation control, all of which are independently developed by PowerLink.

4.What types of generator systems do PowerLink provide?

PowerLink can provide customers with various types of sustainable energy. Our gas gensets range from 10KW, which is very suitable for household and small retail properties, to a maximum of 2000 KW, which can provide power for commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and even feedback to the national power grid. The main application types are:

  1. Combined Heat and Power (CHP), which can provide both electricity and part of the thermal energy to customers, with the efficiency ratings of CHP systems reaching more than 85%.
  2. Gas Power Generation, which provides pure electricity to customers.

Application areas: commercial, industrial, urban buildings, hotels, guesthouses, airports, hospitals, schools, residential communities, bathing centres, entertainment clubs, data centres, etc.

Our generators can be started manually or automatically, and are available as an open-type structure, soundproof-type structure, or containerised structure.

The type of generator you need will depend on your power supply method, installation location, and whether it needs to run continuously or only during power outages. To determine which type of generator is most suitable for you, please contact your local PowerLink distributor, who will be able to estimate the size and price according to your requirements.

5.Why should you purchase a PowerLink genset?

PowerLink’s goal is to achieve 100% return customers, and our professional and dedicated team allows us to achieve this goal.

Some key reasons to choose PowerLink products are:

  1. Existing customers continue to comment on why our products have higher quality than competitors.
  2. We are a product manufacturer, and PowerLink’s power products are not only produced in accordance with IS09001 but also managed using our own designed system to optimize product production. This system allows for advanced specification control to meet customer requirements and help ensure quality.
  3. PowerLink has years of experience in providing various types of gensets.
  4. We provide energy solutions and can provide a series of services such as technical solutions, product selection, engineering design, engineering construction, and after-sales service according to your actual working conditions.
  5. In most cases, we can provide you with the fastest delivery time in the industry. We achieve this goal by keeping more products in stock and using advanced manufacturing processes while maintaining the highest quality.
  6. Our products are well-known within the industry, and we have sold our products to over 100 countries throughout our companies’ history.
  7. We not only provide the highest quality products, but we are also committed to offering them at the lowest possible prices. The combination of low prices and high-quality products provides a perfect balance for your needs.

6.What products and services can PowerLink provide for the utilisation of natural gas energy?

We can help you with investment return analysis, reduce energy expenditure costs, and provide a complete set of equipment for cogeneration, thermal energy distribution management, transmission, and distribution, and more. We also offer equipment selection guidance, installation, commissioning, training, and other services.

7.What products and services can PowerLink provide for the utilization of biogas renewable energy?

We can provide a complete set of equipment for biogas desulphurisation, drying, pressurisation, transportation, gas composition monitoring, cogeneration, transmission, and distribution, as well as detailed solutions such as equipment selection calculation, investment return analysis, and contract hosting services.

8.What products and services can PowerLink provide for the utilisation of associated gas from oil?

We provide leased container-type generator sets that can be quickly put into use. From equipment selection to on-site commissioning and subsequent maintenance, we will provide professional guidance and services.

9.What products and services can PowerLink provide for the utilisation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) energy?

The methane value of LPG energy is low, less than 60%. Our GRS series units are suitable for this type of gas source. We can provide a complete set of professional guidance and services, including equipment selection, on-site commissioning, and subsequent maintenance and upkeep.

10.What products and services can PowerLink provide for the utilisation of low-methane value energy sources such as landfill gas and coal bed methane?

Landfill gas methane content accounts for about 45% to 60% of the total landfill gas volume, with a calorific value of about 20MJ/Nm3. It is a high-value clean fuel. Coal bed methane is mainly composed of over 95% methane, with the remaining 5% being generally CO2 or nitrogen. After being extracted from the pipeline, the methane content of coal bed methane can be about 50%. For these two high-quality gas sources, our GXE, GXC, GE, CG, TCG, and TGE series units can stably combust and operate. We can provide detailed system solutions such as equipment selection, investment return analysis, and contract hosting services.

11.What are the differences between the ACG, CG, GXC, and TCG gas-fired cogeneration series products?

The ACG series products have a power range of 10KW to 50KW and are designed for micro-grid distributed energy systems, with high cost-effectiveness. The CG series products have a power range of 50KW to 1000KW, with core components sourced from top global brands. The GXC series products, developed and manufactured entirely by PowerLink, have a power range of 35KW to 350KW, and are a highly cost-effective option for customers. The TCG series products are even more efficient, with a power range of 600KW to 2000KW, and core components sourced from global high-end brands.

12.What are the differences between the GRS, GXE, GE, and TGE gas power generation series products?

The GRS series has a power range of 10KW to 30KW and are specifically designed for micro power generation applications and are a highly cost-effective option. The GXE series products have a power range of 50KW to 350KW and are independently developed and manufactured by PowerLink, and are also a cost-effective option for customers. The GE series units have a power range of 50KW to 1000KW, with core components sourced from the world’s top brands, offering high value. The TGE series products have a power range of 600 to 2000KW, with core components selected from high-end global brands, offering high comprehensive efficiency and value. If you have sufficient budget, it is recommended to choose the GE or TGE series products.

13.What are the standard components of a generator set?

The standard components of a generator set include:

  1. Gas engine
  2. AC generator
  3. Flexible coupling
  4. PCC300 control system (parallel operation, grid-connected, islanded)
  5. Gas valve group (including shut-off valve, electromagnetic safety valve, pressure regulator, and filter)
  6. ECU control cabinet
  7. Cylinder liner water heat exchanger
  8. Exhaust gas/water heat exchanger
  9. Cooling water circulation pump
  10. Three-way thermostatic valve
  11. Intercooler
  12. Emergency radiator
  13. Preheater
  14. Oil filling system
  15. Soundproof/Containerized canopy
  16. Industrial grade muffler

14.How to calculate and analyse return on investment?

First, you need to determine the local energy structure, understand the cost of key elements such as electricity, gas, and fuel, as well as monthly energy cost expenditures. Please send this information to us, and our sales experts will provide you with a detailed investment return analysis.

15.How to choose your new power generation equipment?

If gas fuel is available, many customers need to consider the technical and economic feasibility of gas power generation solutions. Gas power generation units can usually be combined with other types of equipment, renewable energy, or battery storage to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the entire system.

To find an economically effective, technically reliable, and more environmentally friendly power generation solution, we recommend that you consider the following important factors when choosing power generation equipment:

  1. The most important factor is installation cost as gas power generation solutions offer very competitive installation costs, with limited land requirements for single kilowatt projects.
  2. The efficiency of the solution system. You need to determine how much gas fuel your power plant will consume. Typically, 75% of energy production costs are fuel costs, so efficiency is crucial. PowerLink gas power generation units are efficient, with a maximum power efficiency of over 45%. Using a cogeneration solution, the primary energy of gas fuel is effectively converted into electricity and heat energy. In cogeneration mode, the overall efficiency can reach over 90%.
  3. Production manufacturing and commissioning time. PowerLink gas power generation units usually take 8 to 12 months from production time to construction and commissioning time. If we have generators in stock, your payment on delivery time will be shorter.
  4. Modular installation solution. Considering that the equipment needs to be safely delivered to the installation site, modular structure makes project installation easier and commissioning faster and simpler.
  5. Another very important factor determining the selection of power generation equipment is the operating expenses related to the equipment. The following aspects need to be considered: maintenance intervals, spare part costs, downtime during maintenance, and the entire working cycle of the equipment before major repairs. Based on our long-term experience, we will provide multi-year service contracts for PowerLink generators. This will help reduce the need for spare parts and allow for early prediction of service time, thus reducing operating costs for the entire engine working period.
  6. Help you choose the most suitable equipment through the project load analysis. PowerLink’s gas engine product line is widely distributed (0.01 to 2 MW), and we can help you find a solution that suits your needs.
  7. The surrounding environmental conditions will affect equipment usage and, its actual power output capability, in some cases, your power output may be much lower than the rated power. If you plan to operate the equipment in high-temperature and/or high-altitude areas, please note this factor.

16.Where can I buy PowerLink products?

We have dealers in more than 100 countries worldwide, and you can contact local dealers to purchase products. In areas without dealers, you can contact our offices directly, and our sales experts will provide a one-on-one service with you.

17.Can the generator set be used in harsh weather conditions?

PowerLink generators are designed to operate in harsh environments and extreme weather conditions (recommended environmental temperature: -25℃ to 50℃, altitude ≤1000m), but we do not recommend using them under harsh conditions. In possible situations, in order to extend the life of the generator and prevent short circuits and rust, it should be protected from the influence of components as much as possible.

18.Do you provide transfer switches and distribution equipment to allocate power?

PowerLink currently provides automatic transfer switches and power transmission and distribution systems, which can be customized according to the actual situation of the project.

19.How is the generator set noise reduced?

The following three methods are usually used for noise reduction:

  1. Exhaust noise reduction: exhaust noise is the main source of generator noise, and a special muffler is usually selected for noise reduction.
  2. Reducing axial fan noise.
  3. Sound insulation and noise reduction treatment of the machine room and generator set vibration isolation.

20.How is the generator set desulfurised?

Selective catalytic reduction desulfurisation technology, abbreviated as SCR, is usually used. The mixture of the unit’s flue gas, reducing agent (such as NH3, urea, etc.), and air undergoes selective catalytic reduction reaction when passing through the honeycomb or plate catalytic layer of the SCR reactor, and the NOx in the flue gas undergoes selective catalytic reduction to produce pollution-free N2 and H2O.

21.How is the generator set used in coordination with the main power supply?

Stable commercial power is supplied to the power load through cables. When the main power supply is interrupted due to a power outage, a signal is sent from the transfer switch to the generator set, and then the generator set starts and sends the generated power to the load. When the main power supply is restored, the switch will cut off the power supply of the generator set and restore it to the main power supply.

22.How long is the product delivery cycle?

For standard products, from the time the customer places the order until the product is shipped, depending on the power and series, it generally takes 2-6 months.

23.How is the equipment transported?

PowerLink collaborates with various contracted carriers to transport goods to the specified site in the contract. We provide two options for customers: truck delivery or full-service delivery, including unloading the equipment and adopting appropriate transportation plans based on the project’s actual situation.

24.What do you need to know when installing a generator set?

When installing a generator set, the following aspects should be noted:

  1. The installation site should have good ventilation, with sufficient air intake at the generator end and good exhaust at the engine end.
  2. The surroundings of the installation site should be kept clean, and items that can produce corrosive gases and vapours such as acidic and alkaline substances should be avoided nearby. Fire-fighting equipment should be available where possible.
  3. If used indoors, the exhaust pipe must be vented outdoors, and the pipe diameter must be greater than or equal to the exhaust pipe diameter of the muffler. The number of elbows in the connected pipe should not exceed three, to ensure smooth exhaust. The pipe should be inclined downward at 5-10 degrees to prevent rainwater from entering. If the exhaust pipe is vertically installed, a rain cover must be added.
  4. When using a concrete foundation, use a spirit level to ensure its levelness during installation, so that the unit is fixed on a level foundation. Special shock-absorbing pads or base bolts should be used between the unit and the foundation.
  5. The generator set’s outer shell must have a reliable protective ground. For generators that require a neutral point directly grounded, a professional should perform the neutral point grounding and be equipped with lightning protection devices. It is strictly forbidden to use the grounding device of the power grid to directly ground the neutral point.
  6. The bidirectional switch between the generator and the power grid must be very reliable to prevent reverse power transmission, this switch must also be tested and approved by the local power department.
  7. The wiring for starting the battery must be secure.

25.How to do equipment commissioning?

Our factory has professional commissioning engineers who can provide equipment commissioning services globally, either through remote technical support online or on-site commissioning locally.

26.Precautions before equipment commissioning?

Before commissioning each piece of equipment or  project, on-site inspections must be done in advance. You can obtain an inspection checklist from the after-sales department, follow the requirements, and provide videos and photos to the after-sales department.

27.How to protect the AC generator of the generator set?

Three different methods can be used to protect the AC generator of the generator set:

  1. Thermal-magnetic protection (TMP) – TMP protects the AC generator from overload and short circuit effects. If overloaded, TMP will shut off after a specified period which depends on the type of overload. The higher the overload, the shorter the time needed for TMP to shut off, while in the case of a short circuit, TMP will always shut off immediately.
  2. Leakage protection – When a leakage fault between phases and ground exceeds 30mA, 100mA, or 300mA, ELP will automatically interrupt the circuit, depending on the type of leakage switch used. In the case of indirect contact, ELP can protect personnel from electric shock and additionally, ELP can also be used as a short-circuit protection. In most cases, an earthing pin is required!
  3. Insulation protection – An insulation protection relay is used to measure and protect the insulation (actually resistance) between a direct, ungrounded AC power source and a freely selectable grounded area (i.e. the frame or mass of a generator set). In this way, users can be protected from electric shock when accessing the normal user-friendly area of the machine. When insulation failure occurs, the tension of the AC generator can be interrupted, the engine can stop, or an alarm can be activated. In this case, no grounding pin is required!

28.When and how to maintain and repair the generator set?

First, every piece of equipment you purchase will have a maintenance schedule, which can be used to schedule maintenance based on established timeframes. The frequency and type of services required to maintain a PowerLink generator set will depend on many factors, including the generator’s usage, operating environment, and the load it needs to carry. As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that comprehensive servicing is provided regularly, and you need to conduct frequent visual inspections at least every 2-3 months to check that everything is functioning properly, ensure that any malfunctions or repairs are recorded. A comprehensive service should be performed every 12 months, including replacing filters and lubricants, etc. Most start-up failures are the result of equipment that has not been tested regularly, so we recommend that you check the generator once a week. We have a professional after-sales service team that can dispatch engineers to provide on-site services worldwide. Service types include one-time service, contract-based services, or services provided by locally certified third-party organizations, depending on customer requirements.

29.What happens if I overload the generator?

A generator set should not be continuously overloaded after operation (it is recommended to run at full load) but should be in an overloaded state for a very short time, especially during the start-up period. If a generator set is operated for a long period of time and is in an overloaded state (i.e., exceeding its maximum rated value), several things can happen.

These include:

  1. Overheating of the cooling system.
  2. Overheating of the AC generator winding.
  3. Low oil pressure due to decreased oil viscosity.
  4. Shortening of the generator’s working life.

All engines are designed to operate under different loads, ranging from maximum to minimum. When light loads (minimum load) continue for a long period of time, causing the engine to not be able to recover to a normal operating temperature, which can cause problems within the generator, such as the formation of varnish, which means that the oil normally burned in the cylinder is heated and forms a layer of paint on the cylinder sleeve. If light loads continue, visible blue smoke will appear, and the engine will require maintenance work to clean or replace the liner.

30.How to purchase spare parts?

We have developed a complete spare parts supply plan for every product that leaves our factories, which is managed by a professional parts sales team. We have a convenient online sales platform for parts selection or you can also contact local dealers or directly contact factory parts sales personnel, and we can quickly deliver parts to your location globally according to your needs. If needed, we will also dispatch professional service engineers to the site to replace parts.

CONTACT US TODAY

Have any questions about our products, becoming a partner or how we can help with your gas projects?

Speak with our team today by pressing the link below.

LET`S TALK