Rolls-Royce Unveils Series 4000 Biogas Gensets, First Use in Thailand

Rolls-Royce introduced new mtu Series 4000 biogas gensets for power and heat generation. The initial Series 4000 model is being installed at starch producer in Thailand, supplying the Tongjit factory with electricity and hot steam access.

mtu biogas gensets generate their own electricity and offer a stable power supply in the event of a power outage. The development of the new series was aided by operating experience gained with the previous models: L32 for biogas and L64FNER for natural gas. Currently, Rolls-Royce has deployed Series 4000 gensets in several gas sectors in the global market, including natural gas and biogas.

The 12-cylinder variant is the only model to have been publicly released thus far, although Rolls-Royce plans to release 8-V, 16-V, and 20-V cylinder configurations for delivery in 2024. Rolls-Royce’s 12 V genset has an electrical output of 1,521 kWe, peak electrical efficiency of 44.1%, and overall efficiency of more than 90%. In comparison to the Series 4000 L32FB model, output has risen 30%. The system has a compact design that enables increased power density, evidenced by the equivalent power output of the current 12V model and the predecessor 16V L32 model.

Series 4000 L64FB biogas genset; Image Credits: Rolls-Royce

Series 4000 L64FB biogas gensets have been designed with a focus on minimized life cycle costs and accessible maintenance. These gensets can reach up to 84,000 operating hours until major overhauls (TBO) may be required. In order to be compliant with Germany’s 44th BImSchV ordinance for exhaust gas standards, the genset can be optionally combined with an exhaust gas aftertreatment system from mtu’s portfolio.

“The new Series 4000 L64FB engines are designed for global use and are extremely robust, showing consistently high performance even under extreme conditions of ambient temperature, humidity and altitude,” said Vittorio Pierangeli, Vice President Global Powergen, Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

mtu biogas gensets are CO₂ neutral. Biogas systems are resistant to outages in times of energy crisis or inconsistent wind and solar generation.

The Tongjit starch producer in Thailand has the previous model in a 20-V configuration and will be adding the 12-V model to its portfolio. The factory will have the capability to self-generate enough electricity to save around €600,000 annually.