Diesel Generator for Airport Backup Power
International Airport — 1,600 kW Ground Support Power
Project Overview
Airports depend on continuous power for ground support equipment, runway lighting, baggage handling, and terminal safety systems. Even a brief outage can ground operations and compromise safety. This international airport required a diesel generator for airport backup power that would automatically assume critical ground support loads the instant the mains supply failed.
H&C supplied a 1,600 kW backup generator built around a Cummins QSK50 engine and Stamford alternator, housed in a containerized, sound-attenuated enclosure. The unit integrates with the airport's automatic transfer system and is engineered for fast, reliable starting and stable output under the variable loads typical of ground support operations.
Challenge & Requirements
The airport required a diesel generator for airport backup power with very high starting reliability, stable voltage and frequency under fluctuating ground support loads, and compliance with aviation-sector electrical standards. Installation also demanded a compact, weatherproof enclosure suitable for an airside environment and simple integration with existing switchgear.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Generator Model | HC-1600GF |
| Rated Power (Standby) | 1,600 kW / 2,000 kVA |
| Rated Power (Prime) | 1,440 kW / 1,800 kVA |
| Engine | Cummins QSK50-G4 |
| Alternator | Stamford HCI634F |
| Controller | Deep Sea DSE8610 MKII |
| Voltage / Frequency | 400V / 50Hz |
| Rated Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Cooling Method | Water-Cooled Radiator |
| Starting Method | 24V DC Electric Start |
| Fuel Tank | 3,000L Base Tank |
| Enclosure / Noise Level | Containerized — ≤85 dBA @ 1m |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 6,400 × 2,440 × 2,590 mm |
| Dry Weight | 18,500 kg |
| Compliance | ISO 8528-5, ISO 3046-1, ICAO Annex 14 |
Solution & Implementation
H&C configured a Cummins QSK50-G4 engine matched to a Stamford HCI634 alternator for 1,600 kW standby output, controlled by a Deep Sea DSE8610 MKII for automatic start, transfer, and remote monitoring. The system is designed to accept the block loads of pumps, conveyor drives, and lighting without voltage collapse.
The generator was assembled and full-load tested at the H&C factory, including a 100% load bank run and automatic-transfer simulation. The containerized enclosure protects the unit from weather and dust while keeping noise within the airport's limits.
H&C managed export shipping, customs clearance, and on-site commissioning. Factory engineers supervised integration with the airport's electrical network, verified the automatic start sequence, and delivered operator training plus a full documentation and spares package.
Project Gallery
Robotic welding of the generator base frame in the H&C factory
CNC press brake forming enclosure panels in the H&C factory
Full-load factory testing before shipment
Project Results
The diesel generator for airport backup has provided dependable standby power since commissioning, passing routine test runs and responding correctly during grid disturbances without affecting ground operations.
The airport reported confidence in the system's reliability and the quality of the commissioning support, and has included H&C in its approved vendor list for future power requirements.
Need a Similar Airport Ground Support Backup Power Solution?
Tell us your power requirements — we'll design a generator solution that fits your application, budget, and local conditions. ISO 8528-5 certified, factory-direct since 1983, exporting since 2003.
