Blue Star Power Systems · Diesel Product Line (Volvo Penta, 700 kW)
New
Blue Star VD700-01
700 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled
700 kW Tier 2 diesel standby generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TWD1744GE 17.3L inline-six with Common Rail injection, DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V.
The Blue Star VD700-01 is a 700-kilowatt EPA Tier 2 diesel standby generator built around the Volvo Penta TWD1744GE — a 17.3-liter inline-six that represents the largest and most advanced engine in Blue Star's Volvo Penta diesel lineup. This is a current-production active model.
The TWD1744GE introduces Common Rail injection to the Blue Star lineup (replacing the electronic unit injectors used on all smaller models), along with Volvo Penta's newest ECM4 electronic control system and 1,000-hour service intervals.
The TWD1744GE is the flagship of Volvo Penta's genset engine range:
17.3L inline-six — the largest displacement in Blue Star's Volvo Penta lineup, with bore of 5.87 in and stroke of 6.50 in
Common Rail injection — Volvo Penta's F3 fuel injection system replaces the electronic unit injectors used on all other models, for more precise fuel metering and reduced combustion noise
ECM4 electronic control — the newest generation of Volvo Penta engine management, with advanced diagnostics via CAN J1939
Dual-stage turbocharging with water-cooled dual charge air coolers — same architecture as the TWD1644GE (VD600-03)
1,000-hour service interval — the longest in the Blue Star Volvo Penta lineup
Data Center Power ratings — Volvo Penta publishes specific data center ratings for the TWD1744GE, indicating its suitability for mission-critical installations
4,920 ft altitude ceiling — rated power available to 1,500 m
The VD700-01 is the top of Blue Star's Volvo Penta diesel range:
VD600-03 (600 kW, Volvo TWD1644GE 16.1L) — 100 kW less from a smaller displacement engine with older EMS 2.3 controls and unit injectors. Same physical footprint but 1,225 lbs lighter. Choose this if 600 kW meets the load study.
For loads exceeding 700 kW, Blue Star offers models with other engine OEMs or paralleled configurations.
The TWD1744GE's Common Rail injection is a departure from the electronic unit injectors used on all other Blue Star Volvo Penta models — service technicians need Common Rail diagnostic tooling and procedures. The ECM4 control system provides more detailed diagnostic data than the EMS 2.3/2.4 used on smaller models. The 1,000-hour service interval reduces annual maintenance frequency for units that exercise regularly. The 97 dBA open-skid sound level is the loudest in the Blue Star lineup — enclosed installation with Level 2 (87 dBA) or Level 3 (79 dBA) attenuation is essential for any site near occupied buildings. The Stamford S6L1D-C alternator is used across all voltage configurations, simplifying parts stocking.#
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
5.6 hours(0.2 days)
Fuel consumption ≈ 35.87 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 VD700-01 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 VD700-01?
The Volvo Penta TWD1744GE — a 17.3-liter inline-six with dual-stage turbochargers, water-to-air charge air cooling, and Common Rail injection, rated 1,066 HP (784 kWm) at 1800 RPM. This is the largest and most powerful engine in Blue Star's Volvo Penta diesel lineup. The TWD1744GE uses Volvo Penta's newest ECM4 electronic control system and features a 1,000-hour service interval. EPA Tier 2 certified for stationary emergency standby.
How does the VD700-01 compare to the VD600-03?
The VD700-01 moves to the 17.3L TWD1744GE — a larger-displacement engine with Common Rail injection (versus electronic unit injectors on the TWD1644GE). Both share the same physical footprint (150 x 78 x 100 in) but the VD700-01 is 1,225 lbs heavier (12,000 vs 10,775 lbs) and significantly louder (97 vs 94 dBA at full load). The VD700-01 uses ECM4 (newest gen) versus EMS 2.3 on the VD600-03.
What makes the TWD1744GE different from earlier Volvo Penta engines?
Three key advances: (1) Common Rail injection replaces electronic unit injectors, providing more precise fuel metering and quieter operation; (2) ECM4 electronic control replaces EMS 2.3/2.4, with improved diagnostics; (3) 1,000-hour service intervals, longer than the 500-hour intervals typical of earlier models. The engine also features steel pistons, dual-stage turbochargers, and water-cooled dual charge air coolers.
What controller does the VD700-01 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.
600 kW Tier 2 diesel standby generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TWD1644GE 16.1L inline-six with dual-stage turbo, DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V.
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