Overview#
The Hipower HMW-370 is a 370 kW diesel standby generator powered by an MTU 1600-series 12-cylinder engine. Built in Olathe, Kansas, the HMW-370 steps up from the 10-cylinder 270/310 kW models with a higher cylinder count that delivers more torque reserve and improved transient load acceptance — important for facilities with large HVAC compressor motor starts or sensitive UPS step-load transfers. NFPA 110 Level 1, IBC seismic Zone 4, and 200 mph wind certifications are standard. EPA Tier 4 Final and CARB compliance allow deployment throughout California.
MTU Engine Platform#
The MTU 12V1600 is a 12-cylinder V-configuration diesel with turbocharged-aftercooled induction, producing approximately 19 liters of displacement. Developed by MTU (Rolls-Royce Power Systems), the 1600 series is engineered for 30,000+ hours TBO with minimal performance degradation across the full service life. The 12-cylinder configuration provides additional torque margin at low RPM — significant for step-load acceptance under NFPA 110 Type 10 conditions where the engine must reach stable frequency within 10 seconds of starting under partial or full load.
MTU's SCR (selective catalytic reduction) Tier 4 Final approach uses diesel exhaust fluid (DEF/AdBlue) to reduce NOx emissions downstream of the combustion event, preserving combustion optimization. This contrasts with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems that cool combustion temperatures to reduce NOx formation — at a penalty to fuel efficiency and increased oil soot loading that shortens oil change intervals.
Mission-Critical Design#
The HMW-370 ships with a complete mission-critical certification package:
- NFPA 110 Level 1, Type 10: 10-second startup to full rated power — required for hospital essential electrical systems and data center critical UPS feeds
- IBC Seismic Zone 4 / SDS 2.0: Pre-certified for California hospital and data center installations
- 200 mph wind rating: Qualifies for all US wind exposure categories
- Dual-wall sub-base tank option: Integral secondary containment for NFPA 30 compliance in occupied structures
- MTU DiASter integration: SCADA-level remote diagnostics for predictive maintenance and compliance reporting
Paralleling Capability#
Multiple HMW-370 units can be synchronized for N+1 or N+N paralleling. Isochronous load sharing distributes load equally across all active units, maintaining frequency stability across bus transfer events. This architecture is standard in colocation data centers where a single 370 kW unit cannot serve the full critical load but multiple units in parallel can, with redundancy built in. Compatible with Asco, Russelectric, and other major paralleling switchgear platforms.
Service and Maintenance#
MTU 1600-series engines require MTU-certified technicians for SCR system service, high-pressure fuel system diagnostics, and major overhaul. The 30,000-hour TBO means most critical facilities will never require an engine overhaul within the building's design life. Standard preventive maintenance items — oil and filter changes at 500 hours, air filter at 1,000 hours, fuel filter at 500 hours — are similar to competitive units and can be performed by certified generator technicians with MTU parts training.
Our Service Experience#
OnPoint Generators serves MTU-powered Hipower installations across Northern California. For HMW-370 operators: our team holds MTU service certifications, maintains factory-level diagnostic software, and stocks critical consumables including MTU-specification fuel and oil filters, DEF test kits, and common SCR system sensors. We offer annual compliance testing packages that include load bank testing, emissions verification, and NFPA 110 Level 1 documentation for Joint Commission and AHJ submittals.
