Customer Success Story: Pacific NW Utility Leading the Way in Reducing Genset Emissions with Rypos Active DPFs
Location: Portland, Oregon
Profile: A large Pacific NW utility company serving the Portland, Oregon area, operates a Dispatchable Standby Generation (DSG) system. This system contracts with
customers to utilize their generators in a demand response program, providing additional capacity to enhance grid resiliency during outages and peak demand times.
Challenge: In 2023, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) updated its air quality standards, mandating that all diesel generators used in the company’s Dispatchable Standby Generation (DSG) program be retrofitted with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). It’s important to note that the company’s DSG program operates within US EPA standards, allowing the use of standby-rated engines and generators that are not Tier IV compliant (SCR and DPF).
Solution: The utility company is in the process of retrofitting approximately 55 generator systems across approximately 35 sites with Rypos DPFs.
Results: The successful implementation of Rypos DPF solutions showcases the effectiveness of emissions control technologies in strengthening grid resilience while positioning the utility company as a leader in sustainable energy practices. By deploying Rypos DPF systems, the Pacific NW utility has achieved significant environmental gains, with reduced emissions contributing to improved air quality and environmental sustainability in the Portland region.
A comprehensive selection process
A public utility in the Pacific Northwest initiated a search for effective Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) solutions, engaging with multiple vendors to find the best retrofit option. After evaluating various alternatives, they selected Rypos for its straightforward retrofit installation and active regeneration capabilities—crucial for lightly loaded generators operating below 30% capacity during normal standby conditions. Many of these generators are deployed in mission-critical or legally required applications, where the risk of passive DPFs failing to reach the necessary regeneration temperature and becoming clogged with trapped particulate matter could jeopardize operational readiness. The selection of Rypos DPFs fully mitigates this risk.
Project scope and implementation
The project encompasses the installation of Rypos DPF systems across a diverse range of facilities, including hospitals, military installations, data centers, industrial sites and government buildings.
Pacific Power Group (PPG), a leading provider of power solutions in the Western U.S. and Gulf Coast, has been pivotal in the successful implementation of Rypos DPFs on the gensets. The relationship between PPG and Rypos began with a San Jose data center retrofit of 25 DPFs completed approximately three years ago. When the Oregon Air Quality Board enacted new regulations requiring DPFs on engines supporting regional utility applications, the utility company contacted PPG for a turnkey solution. PPG’s design-build approach significantly shortened development time, and the current phase of retrofits is expected to take about 1.5 years.
Project challenges and solutions
The project’s complexity presented numerous challenges, including retrofitting gensets in diverse and sometimes difficult locations. For example, at a downtown Portland hospital, three 1000 kW generator sets were located on the 15th floor, accessible only via an underground tunnel and a small freight elevator. To overcome these site limitations, engineers from Rypos and the utility developed a solution using two smaller DPFs per engine, along with a silencer/plenum to balance airflow and enhance sound attenuation.
Another challenging installation took place at the Skyline site, overlooking Portland and housing the area’s TV and radio towers. Here, the generator is located directly beneath a TV tower, where falling ice in winter poses a significant risk of crushing the equipment. To protect the genset, an ice shed was built around it, which further restricted clearance for DPF installation. Due to these conditions, the installation had to be paused for worker safety and resumed in early spring.
Customer service and support
PPG has maintained a strong partnership with Rypos, ensuring responsive and accountable customer service. Despite some operational challenges at specific sites, PPG and Rypos have worked together effectively to resolve issues and ensure the smooth operation of the installed systems.
Installing Rypos active DPFs has been straightforward. The integrated controls and minimal electrical supply requirements facilitate easy installation, even in challenging environments. Customers have appreciated the automated operation and minimal maintenance needs of the active DPFs.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the professionalism and efficiency of the PPG installation crew. The lack of complaints about the DPFs from both the utility and end-users underscores the reliability and effectiveness of the Rypos systems.
Outcome and future considerations
The successful implementation of Rypos DPF solutions demonstrated the viability of emissions control technologies in enhancing grid resilience and environmental sustainability. With ongoing installations and regulatory compliance, the Pacific NW utility company positioned itself as a leader in sustainable energy practices while ensuring reliable backup power for critical facilities. Future considerations include scaling up deployments and exploring opportunities for broader utility partnerships to optimize grid performance and reduce emissions.