800kW Industrial Power Generators for Large-Scale Projects

An 800kW generator often forms the core of a modular power plant or a large industrial complex. From containerized solutions to complex paralleling schemes, our role is to deliver a certified and reliable power island. For detailed case studies, performance guarantees, and a structured project proposal, please reach out to our senior project managers.

Technical Comparison: 800kW Diesel Generator Engine Options

Choosing the right engine is the most critical decision for your 800kW generator set. Below is a detailed technical breakdown of the six leading power brands.
FeatureCumminsMTUPerkinsSDEC (Shangchai)WeichaiYuchai
Engine ModelKTA38-G516V2000G16F4008-30TAG26K1350-D3112M26D968E200YC6C1320-D31
OriginUSA/China (Joint)GermanyUKChinaChinaChina
Cylinders12 / V-Type16 / V-Type8 / In-line6 / In-line12 / V-Type6 / In-line
Displacement38.0 L35.7 L30.6 L25.8 L31.8 L39.6 L
AspirationTurbocharged / AftercooledTurbocharged / Water-Air CooledTurbocharged / Air-Air CooledTurbocharged / IntercooledTurbocharged / IntercooledTurbocharged / Intercooled
Fuel Cons. (100% Load)~209 L/h~195 L/h~215 L/h~198 L/h~202 L/h~196 L/h
GovernorElectronicECU/ADECElectronicECUECUECU
Maintenance Cycle250 - 500 Hours500 Hours500 Hours250 - 500 Hours500 Hours500 Hours

Project Application & Cost Analysis Comparison

Selecting the right brand involves balancing project needs with lifetime costs. The table below provides a high-level comparison of key brands across critical application and financial dimensions to guide your initial screening
Brand / Comparison DimensionCumminsYuchaiSDECWeichaiMTUPerkins
Typical Project Applications• Data Centers (N+1 Redundancy)• Large-Scale Agriculture & Processing Plants• Heavy Industry with High Availability Needs• Cost-Sensitive Industrial Prime Power• Mission-Critical Data Centers• Large Commercial Complexes
• Large Hospital Backup Power• Mining & Quarrying Base-Load Power• Construction Mega-Sites• Large Manufacturing Facilities• Marine & Offshore Prime Power• Continuous Industrial Operations
• Critical Industrial Processes• Infrastructure Projects in Emerging Markets• Port & Logistics Power• Power for Utility Projects• High-Tech Manufacturing• Telecom & Utility Backup
Relative Initial InvestmentHighMedium-LowMedium-LowMedium-LowVery HighHigh
Fuel Efficiency (Typical g/kWh @ Full Load)~195-205~205-215~210-220~205-215~190-200~198-208
Projected Maintenance Cost (as % of Initial Cost p.a.)~2.0-2.5%~3.0-3.5%~3.0-3.5%~2.8-3.3%~2.0-2.5%~2.5-3.0%
Service & Parts NetworkGlobal, ExtensiveStrong in Asia & Emerging MarketsStrong in China, Growing GloballyStrong in China, ExpandingGlobal, Premium SupportGlobal, Extensive
Emissions Compliance (Standard)EPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage VChina National IV / EU Stage IIIAChina National IV / EU Stage IIIAChina National IV / EU Stage IIIAEPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage VEPA Tier 4 Final / EU Stage V
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) ProfileHigh initial, lower operating cost. Best for projects where reliability and fuel cost dominate.Lowest initial, moderate operating cost. Optimal for budget-focused projects with stable fuel prices.Similar to Yuchai. Strong value for demanding, high-uptime industrial use.Excellent balance of durability and cost. Ideal for continuous, cost-conscious industries.Highest initial, lowest operating cost. Justified for zero-failure-tolerance critical applications.High initial, competitive operating cost. Strong for balanced performance needs in regulated markets.
Best Suited For Projects That ValueMaximum Uptime, Global Support, Long-term PredictabilityLow Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Proven Simplicity, Total Cost AdvantageRobust Performance at Competitive Entry Price, High AvailabilityHeavy-Duty Performance with Strong Cost Control, Industrial DurabilityUltimate Performance, Power Density, and Lifetime Product SupportReliable Brand Recognition, Balanced Lifecycle Cost, Global Standards

Buyer’s Decision Guide (Which one to choose?)

  • Need the highest reliability & global parts availability? ➔ Choose Cummins.

  • Need the most advanced technology & fuel savings for 24/7 use? ➔ Choose MTU.

  • Need a premium European brand for a specific project tender? ➔ Choose Perkins.

  • On a budget but need 800kW for emergency backup? ➔ Choose SDEC or Yuchai.

  • Operating in a remote area with harsh conditions? ➔ Choose Weichai.

Common problems with 800kw diesel generator

Can you design a containerized “power house” solution around an 800kW generator?

Absolutely. We specialize in designing and fabricating modular, containerized power plants that house the 800kW genset, fuel system, switchgear, and cooling in a single, weatherproof, and transportable unit.

How do you manage harmonic distortion in such a large generator?

We employ design techniques in the alternator and can recommend/add external harmonic filters to ensure total harmonic distortion (THDi) is kept below 5%, protecting sensitive connected equipment.

What are the typical requirements for factory acceptance testing (FAT)?

FAT is a critical step. We conduct full-load, performance, and control logic tests at our facility. Clients are welcome to witness the FAT, and we provide a detailed report with all results for project documentation.

What is your experience with EPC contractors?

We regularly work as the designated power system supplier for global EPC firms. We understand the requirements for detailed documentation, milestone payments, and strict adherence to project schedules.