Blue Star Power Systems · Diesel Product Line (Perkins)
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Blue Star PD50-01
50 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled
50 kW Tier 3 diesel standby generator built by Blue Star Power Systems. Perkins 1104D-44TG1 turbocharged engine, Stamford UCI224D alternator, DSE DCP7310 controller.
The Blue Star PD50-01 is a 50-kilowatt Tier 3 diesel standby generator built around the Perkins 1104D-44TG1, a 4.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine without charge air cooling. It occupies the same 80×38 in footprint as the PD30-01IT4, making it a direct power upgrade for applications where 25 kW is insufficient but floor space is constrained.
Blue Star Power Systems (North Mankato, Minnesota) pairs the 1104D-44TG1 with a Stamford UCI224D alternator and DSE DCP7310 controller. At 2,225 lbs, the PD50-01 is notably heavier than the IT4 models below it, reflecting the larger engine and alternator package. Its outstanding altitude rating — 8,202 ft (2,500 m) at 122°F — is the highest in the Perkins PD series.
The 1104D-44TG1 is a turbocharged but non-intercooled engine. Without charge air cooling, the intake charge runs warmer, which limits the power ceiling compared to the intercooled 1104D-E44TAG2. But the simpler cooling system reduces maintenance and failure points, and the 1104D platform is extremely well-proven in generator applications globally. At 50 kWe, the engine is running comfortably within its rating.
The 1104D-44TG1 is a high-volume Perkins engine with widespread global parts availability. Service follows the standard Perkins 1100D industrial schedule. The absence of an intercooler simplifies service — there are no intercooler hoses or charge air temperature sensors to maintain. Load bank test at commissioning to verify full-load pickup.
Tell us about the application — kW, voltage, application, install timeline — and we'll respond within one business day with budgetary pricing, lead time, and any sizing notes.
Adjust load percent and tank size to estimate runtime. Pre-filled with this model's spec where available.
Estimate runtime on this tank
Estimated runtime
58.7 hours(2.4 days)
Fuel consumption ≈ 3.41 GPH at 75% load. Estimate based on industry-typical 1800 RPM standby curves (≈0.07 GPH/kW at full load). Actual consumption varies by engine, ambient temperature, fuel quality, and tuning.
Service intervals
Manufacturer-recommended intervals for the Blue Star PD50-01 under standby duty. Field intervals may differ based on load profile, ambient conditions, and fuel quality.
Oil & filter
Every 500 hours or 12 months
Coolant change
Every 6000 hours
Air filter
Every 1000 hours
Fuel filter
Every 500 hours
Major overhaul
≈ 20,000 hours
Load bank test
Every 12 months
Common failure modes
What we've seen fail on this platform. Use as a service-planning reference, not a diagnostic — actual failure modes depend heavily on duty cycle and maintenance history.
Component
Symptom
Typical hours
Severity
Fuel quality / tank contamination
Hard starting, filter clogging, injector fouling
4,380+
moderate
Battery
Failed to start, slow crank
8,760+
minor
Coolant hoses
Slow coolant loss, weeping at clamps
8,000+
minor
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the PD50-01 use?
The Perkins 1104D-44TG1 — a 4.4-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel rated for this 50 kWe standby application. The 1104D-44TG1 is turbocharged without charge air cooling (no intercooler), distinguishing it from the higher-output 1104D-E44TAG2 used in the PD80-01 and PD100-01. It is EPA Tier 3 certified for stationary emergency use. Rated power is available up to 8,202 ft (2,500 m) elevation at ambient temperatures to 122°F (50°C).
What controller does the PD50-01 use?
The DSE DCP7310 Digital Control Panel, with CAN Bus J1939 engine communication, digital metering, RS-485 interface, 8 programmable contact inputs, 10 contact outputs, and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatibility. It is cULus Listed and CE Approved with IP 65 ingress protection (with supplied gasket).
How does the PD50-01 compare to the PD30-01IT4 and PD60-01?
The PD30-01IT4 uses the smaller 2.22-liter Perkins 404D platform at 25 kWe. The PD50-01 steps up to the 4.4-liter 1104D series at 50 kWe on the same 80×38 in footprint (2,225 lbs vs 1,600 lbs). The PD60-01 uses the electronically injected 1104D-E44TG1 for 60 kWe on the same 80×38 in skid. Full-load fuel: 2.59 / 4.42 / 4.98 gph respectively. The PD50-01's exceptional altitude capability (8,202 ft) is its standout specification.
What are the ventilation and fuel planning considerations for the PD50-01?
The PD50-01 requires 3,470 CFM of radiator cooling airflow and 167 CFM combustion air. Heat radiated to ambient is 63,000 BTU/hr; the coolant circuit rejects 158,040 BTU/hr. Exhaust exits at 1,060°F at 484 CFM. For fuel tank sizing: at full load (4.42 gph), a 500-gallon tank provides approximately 113 hours of runtime.
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