Caterpillar 3406 Diesel Generator Set – Heavy-Duty Industrial Power Generation Unit. Equipped with a reliable 6-cylinder, 14.6-liter turbocharged/aftercooled diesel engine, the 3406 generator set is designed to drive an AC alternator for dependable prime or standby electrical power. Typical 3406C configurations are available in the approximately 275–400 kVA range, depending on alternator and configuration, with 50/60 Hz operation. The system includes diesel fuel injection, mechanical/hydra-mechanical speed governing, water cooling, lubrication, starting and generator control/protection systems.
The operating process is essentially:
Diesel fuel → 3406 engine → crankshaft rotation → alternator → electrical power
- Starting system
A battery-powered starter motor turns the engine crankshaft. - Fuel injection
Diesel fuel is delivered to the engine’s cylinders. The fuel burns because of the high compression of the diesel engine. - Combustion produces mechanical power
The six cylinders produce combustion strokes that rotate the crankshaft. - Turbocharger/aftercooler
The turbocharger forces more air into the engine, allowing efficient combustion and higher power output. Caterpillar specifies turbocharged/aftercooled aspiration for the 3406C industrial engine. - Alternator produces electricity
The engine crankshaft is mechanically coupled to the generator/alternator. As the rotor turns inside the alternator, electromagnetic induction produces AC electricity. - Voltage and frequency control
The generator’s excitation/voltage-regulation system controls the output voltage, while engine speed determines frequency. For example:- 1500 rpm → 50 Hz for a 4-pole alternator
- Control panel and protection
The generator control system monitors parameters such as engine speed, oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, current, frequency and load. Caterpillar’s generator sets use an EMCP control platform for generator-set operation and monitoring.
Cooling system
The engine generates substantial heat during operation. The cooling system circulates coolant through the engine and removes heat through a radiator/heat exchanger, depending on the installation.
Lubrication system
Engine oil lubricates the crankshaft, connecting rods, bearings, camshaft and other moving components while also helping remove heat. The engine has an oil cooler and lube-oil filtration system.
