Reciprocating Engines
Grid operators need resources that can respond quickly and reliably to support growing electricity demand, renewable generation, data center development and industrial electrification. Reciprocating engine power plants provide the flexibility, availability and operational resilience required to support today's dynamic energy landscape. They can be started quickly, reaching full load in 3 to 10 minutes from warm engine block start, which makes them ideal for renewable load-following. They have a flexible dispatch envelope that can meet peaking, intermediate and base load dispatch without the performance degradation or start/stop penalties that affect gas turbine plants, while also providing ancillary services.
Why Reciprocating Engines Matter
Reciprocating engines are extremely reliable, thanks to their multiple-shaft, modular design and ability to operate on multiple fuels with seamless transfer. They are also easy to site, requiring little water, thanks to closed-loop cooling and low-fuel gas pressures; their buildings are light industrial designs that blend well into many locations because of low-height buildings and structures.
Why Burns & McDonnell?
We have extensive experience with permitting, design and construction of reciprocating engine power plants of all sizes. We excel at developing customized solutions tailored to fit each owner’s unique requirements. This begins with a flexible project delivery model designed to meet your specific schedule and budget. Whether you need a complete engineer-procure-construct (EPC) solution, construction management, or stand-alone engineering and permitting support, our team has the experience to execute. This adaptable approach applies to projects of all sizes, from simple black start retrofits to new power plants using the largest reciprocating engines.
We are the U.S. leader in this field, having executed the most medium-speed (700 to 720 rpm) reciprocating engine-based power projects with the most fuel types.
Our integrated EPC professionals have unparalleled experience in building reciprocating engines power plants in the U.S. to help your project achieve shorter design time, faster permitting and quicker project execution. Our project engineers and site managers have engine plant construction, startup and commissioning experience, and our construction teams have deep experience in managing and scheduling all engine project phases. A core project team has worked together on all the reciprocating engine jobs from start to completion, gaining valuable lessons learned that will make your project successful.
