When the genset falls below its optimal temperature, the integrated block heater energizes. To compensate for the heat loss, the block heater needs to heat the coolant above its optimal temperature. This heat then disperses into the engine block and eventually the surrounding environment. The one-to-one energy transfer, while effective, presents an opportunity energy savings. 

Hotstart’s CVC high efficiency engine heater is a UL listed; outdoor rated solution capable of reducing the typical energy consumption needed to maintain coolant temperatures within a standby generator. 

From concept to functional use, we’ve taken the ground up approach to make a true purpose-built machine for standby generator heating. The CVC’s active heat recovery system is truly unique; rather than generating heat through electric resistance, it captures the existing heat from the surrounding air, sends it through the vapor compression cycle, and then transfers that heat back into the engine. The variable speed compressor allows for precision heating by responding to ambient temperature changes and avoids overheating or underheating the engine by dynamically adjusting heat delivery to match the current heat losses from the engine. 

This technology elevates energy efficiency, reducing or eliminating the use of the existing block heaters without compromising engine startability. When retrofitted on generators 1 megawatt and larger, the CVC becomes the primary heater while the existing engine heaters stay installed for redundancy. This combination of the existing block heater and the CVC’s fully integrated and programmed controls provides heating at any temperature. 

The CVC is designed for long-term operation with multiple integrated features to ensure years of reliable engine heating that customers have come to expect from Hotstart. This transformational approach to engine heating reduces energy consumption, providing energy and cost savings to end-users while also contributing to decarbonization goals. 

Contact Hotstart today to learn more about the next generation of genset heating.