Atlas Copco has introduced a new QAS 500 generating set for industrial, rental, construction site and public utilities applications.

Describing the product as “top of the range,” the company said it was rated at 400 kW, 500 kVA prime power at 50 Hz (457 kW, 575 kVA at 60 Hz).
The QAS range, comprising a wide variety of models rated between 14 – 571 kVA, has been designed for fast, easy and safe transportation and on-site handling on virtually any unprepared surface, Atlas Copco said.
Housed in a noise attenuated enclosure made from zinc-plated steel and painted with powder coating paint,  the QAS 500 meets a sound power level (LWA) of 99 dB(A) at 50Hz; making it eminently suited for applications in noise-sensitive areas.
The enclosure also provides optimum resistance against corrosion ensuring that it remains in good condition and retains an improved resale value, the company said.

Integrated lifting structure
The company provided a rundown of the product’s features.
An integrated lifting structure on the enclosure contributes to the total sturdiness of the set ensuring safe and efficient handling.
It is positioned in the centre point of gravity for correct balancing and is dimensioned to support at least four times the maximum weight without breaking.
The integration of forklift slots also saves time and facilitates safe and efficient handling and transportation.
Well-placed fixation points ensure safe transportation around the construction site. Integrated bumpers protect the enclosure against mechanical impact during transportation and handling.
The frame is also a 110 per cent containment base for all the necessary liquids such as oil, coolant and fuel.  The sturdy spillage-free frame offers maximum environmental protection.

Ease of maintenance
Large access doors allow easy access to all service points and the generator components; making any preventative maintenance and repairs faster and easier.
External drain points are positioned to allow easy and efficient draining of oil, coolant and fuel with minimised risk of environmental spillage. Special drain points are also fitted to allow the fuel tank to be cleaned and water removed from the base frame; once again with minimal environmental impact.
A 905 litre standard fuel tank, positioned in the centre of the base frame ensures continuous operation at full load for a complete shift.

Dedicated control compartment
The new QAS 500 features a dedicated compartment for the electrical cubicle making it safe to access even when ‘running.’
Isolating the electrical components from the engine compartment provides reduced vibration and temperature impact on the more sensitive electrical components.
The cubicle door is sealed to prevent water and dust ingress avoiding possible damage to the electrical components.
An industrial type B-curve four-pole main circuit breaker safeguards the alternator against external short circuits by an instantaneous trip three to five times the nominal current.
All main circuit breakers fitted in the QAS range are Omnipolar – an essential feature for compatibility with the different configurations of customers’ applications.

Failsafe protection 
Critical engine parameters such as oil temperature, oil pressure and coolant temperature are monitored by means of a failsafe system.
Should a sensor or transducer fail, the system automatically shuts down to avoid any damage to the engine.
A dual stage fuel filter with integrated water separator and a heavy duty dual stage air filtration system ensure longer service intervals and increased engine life and up-time.  An extra safety cartridge filter element allows air filter replacement during operation.
The new model is powered by a six-cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged intercooled Volvo TAD 1641 GE diesel engine, driving a Leroy Somer alternator with PMG-technology.
A high-performance radiator with high-capacity cooling is also fitted to guarantee 100 per cent prime power at 50 Hz — operation is assured in high ambient temperatures up to 40°C and 1000 m altitude.

Heavy duty digital controller
Generator control, protection and monitoring are provided with a local or remote start digital control module (Qc1002). Fitted as standard, the system is ideal for all automatic controlled applications.
All Qc controllers are equipped with external communication protocols prepared to support the Cosmos option for satellite monitoring.
The Qc4002 controller is available as an option for multi-start paralleling operations. As a standard, this controller is equipped with PMS (Power Management system), that enables the user to save fuel and to extend the life time of the engine.

Options
Type CEE socket panels are available as an option to make power output connections easier, safer and faster. 
In order to increase flexibility, a combination of different three-phase socket sizes is available.
Spark arrestor, air inlet shut down valve and quick couplings for an external fuel tank are also optionally available.