Blue Star Power Systems · Volvo Penta Diesel Standby
Blue Star VD550-01
550 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled
550 kW Tier 2 diesel standby generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD1642GE-B 16.1L inline-six with DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V output.
The Blue Star VD550-01 is a 550-kilowatt EPA Tier 2 diesel standby generator built around the Volvo Penta TAD1642GE-B — the highest-output variant of the TAD1640/1641/1642GE-B engine family. At 821 HP, it extracts the maximum from the 16.1L platform. This is a current-production active model.
The VD550-01 shares its physical footprint with the VD500-01 (140 x 72 x 98 in), making it a drop-in upgrade when 500 kW is marginal for the load study.
The TAD1642GE-B tops the updated 16.1L engine family:
Same 16.1L displacement as the TAD1641GE-B (VD500-01) — identical bore (5.67 in), stroke (6.50 in), and compression ratio (16.8:1)
Peak output — 821 HP (612 kWm gross) at 1800 RPM, the highest of the three TAD164xGE-B variants
Air-to-air charge-air cooling — noted specifically on the VD550-01 spec sheet
4,920 ft altitude ceiling — lower than the VD500-01's 6,562 ft due to the higher output tuning, but still adequate for most Northern California installations
Dual-frequency switching — 1500/1800 RPM via EMS 2.4
The VD550-01 is the top of the TAD1640/1641/1642GE-B range:
VD500-01 (500 kW, Volvo TAD1641GE-B 16.1L) — same physical footprint, 50 kW less, but with a superior 6,562 ft altitude ceiling. Choose this for high-altitude sites or when 500 kW meets the load study.
VD600-03 (600 kW, Volvo Penta) — the next step up, moving to a larger Volvo Penta engine platform for sites needing more than 550 kW.
The TAD1642GE-B shares all service procedures, fluid capacities (12.7 gal oil, 15.9 gal coolant), and filter cross-references with the TAD1641GE-B (VD500-01). The self de-aerating fuel system and fuel shut-off valve are service advantages shared across the TAD164xGE-B family. The 94 dBA open-skid sound level requires enclosed installation for all but the most remote sites. The DSE DCP7310 controller and Stamford HCI534 alternator maintain parts commonality across the Blue Star lineup.#
Lock the enclosure, fuel system, transfer switch, and add-ons — we'll confirm pricing, availability, and lead time within one business day. Prefer a free-form quote? That option is still here.
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
6.9 hours(0.3 days)
Fuel consumption ≈ 28.85 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 VD550-01 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
Turbocharger(s)
Major power loss, heavy exhaust smoke
12,000+
severe
Fuel quality / degradation
Injector fouling, hard starting
4,380+
moderate
Battery bank (24V)
Failed start, slow cranking
8,760+
minor
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine is in the VD550-01?
The Volvo Penta TAD1642GE-B — a 16.1-liter inline-six turbocharged-aftercooled diesel rated 821 HP (612 kWm) at 1800 RPM. It is the highest-output variant of the TAD1640/1641/1642GE-B engine family, sharing the same block (5.67 in bore, 6.50 in stroke, 16.8:1 compression) as the TAD1641GE-B used in the VD500-01. EPA Tier 2 certified with Volvo Penta EMS 2.4 electronic management.
How does the VD550-01 compare to the VD500-01?
Both use the same 16.1L Volvo Penta block and share the same physical dimensions (140 x 72 x 98 in). The TAD1642GE-B (VD550-01) produces 821 HP versus 768 HP for the TAD1641GE-B (VD500-01). The VD550-01 is 350 lbs heavier (10,225 vs 9,875 lbs) and has a lower altitude deration: 4,920 ft (1,500 m) versus 6,562 ft (2,000 m) for the VD500-01. Both are rated at 94 dBA at full load.
What controller does the VD550-01 use?
The DSE DCP7310 — the same controller used across Blue Star's current diesel lineup. It features CAN bus J1939 communications, RS-485 interface, IP 65 front panel rating, and remote communications via DSE2548 annunciator. cULus Listed and NFPA 110 Level 1 compatible.
What is the altitude deration for the VD550-01?
Rated power is available up to 4,920 ft (1,500 m) at ambient temperatures to 122F (50C). This is lower than the VD500-01's 6,562 ft ceiling because the TAD1642GE-B is tuned closer to the 16.1L block's peak output. For sites above 4,920 ft, the VD500-01 with its 6,562 ft ceiling is the safer specification if 500 kW is sufficient.
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