The GTI Bi-Fuel System incorporates a sophisticated, electronic control system, which controls both natural gas and diesel fuel during operation. In addition, the GTI Electronic Control System (ECS) acts as an engine safety device, by monitoring up to 24 critical data channels including:

•           Exhaust Gas Temperature-Stack

•           Exhaust Gas Temperature-Cylinder

•           High engine manifold air pressure (MAP)

•           Low natural gas supply pressure

•           High engine vacuum

The various data channels are displayed on the ECS via an LCD display in either text or graphical format. The ECS notifies the user locally (via an LED general fault light) or remotely via modem, in the event of a fault.

If a fault is detected, the ECS will automatically switch the generator to 100% diesel operation and data-log the fault. The ECS fault set points are field adjustable and allow installation technicians to customize the Bi-Fuel System to the specific requirements of the customer and/or the operational limitations set-fourth by the engine manufacturer. Once programmed, the fault settings are protected by a keypad lockout code, which prevents unauthorized personnel from altering the set points.

The ECS guarantees that in the unlikely event of either a Bi-Fuel System malfunction, or a disruption in natural gas supply pressure (either low or high pressure faults), the generator drive-engine will be protected from damage. Most of the monitored channels are latching type faults, i.e. if the Bi-Fuel System is deactivated by the ECS, the generator cannot be returned to Bi-Fuel operation until the ECS panel is manually reset. Lastly, the ECS also incorporates a built-in time delay function, which prevents initiation of Bi-Fuel operation after generator start-up, for a period of up to 300 seconds. This feature is used when the converted generator is used in paralleling operations, and allows the generator to start-up and synchronizes on 100% diesel fuel before automatically switching to Bi-Fuel operation.

Savings derived from the use of the GTI Bi-Fuel System are the result of either:

1. The differential between the cost per kWh charged by the utility and the cost per kWh to produce power with a Bi-Fuel generator or

2. In the case of existing diesel prime power operations, the differential in the cost of diesel fuel and natural gas.

Utility Supplied Power:

Due to the premium prices which utility companies usually charge for on-peak electricity, it is often most viable to operate the Bi-Fuel generator as a peak-shaver, whereby power is produced on-site only during those hours when electricity is at it’s highest price from the utility. In order to determine the cost of producing power with a Bi-Fuel generator, several factors must be considered including:

•           Cost of natural gas

•           Cost of diesel fuel

•           Cost of maintenance program for generator

•           Cost of future engine overhauls