TurboCell is a turbocharger-based generator that combines the best attributes of a turbine with those of a reciprocating engine. Turbochargers are well-engineered components that have been used in engines for decades and are produced globally in large quantities. They require minimal maintenance compared to engine parts like pistons and valves. Their primary purpose is to enhance an engine's peak or transient performance and make it more responsive to rapidly changing loads.
TurboCell’s unique design results in an inverse relationship between torque demand and the power to respond to it. This enables the engine to perform with the high fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions synonymous with turbines. TurboCell offers the option of AC and DC output, with a rated output voltage of 480 VAC 3P or a range of 750 - 1,500 VDC.
Unlike legacy industrial generation systems, TurboCell was purpose-built to solve the core power challenges of the AI era. AI compute environments create synchronized, millisecond and sub-millisecond load swings that conventional generation assets were never designed to manage. TurboCell is engineered to natively handle this volatility, actively stabilizing power in real time rather than relying on energy-inefficient and costly load-side mitigation or oversized, centralized on-site energy storage solutions. Its hybrid-DC architecture provides a protective layer that physically prevents triplen harmonics from propagating upstream, further enhancing power quality and system stability.
TurboCell supports both bridging and backup power. It delivers a highly efficient, high-performance, and scalable bridging solution that accelerates time-to-market. With ultra-low emissions and an 80,000-hour continuous-duty life, it can provide years of on-site prime power ahead of utility interconnection. Its block-loading and load-following capabilities also enable seamless transition into backup power or flexible load-management operations.
Unlike traditional bridging solutions, which rely on multiple turbines and reciprocating engines with limited utility beyond initial power delivery, TurboCell is a single, universal solution for a wide range of applications.
“Block Loading” describes an engine’s ability to accept a massive electrical load—from 0 to 100%—instantly, without stalling.
While diesel engines are known for handling block loads effectively, traditional gas turbines are not designed for this type of sudden step change. TurboCell is the first turbine architecture engineered to handle 100% block loads, combining the transient response of a diesel engine with the efficiency and durability of a turbine.
TurboCell is highly efficient across both full and partial loads. Its flat efficiency curve delivers approximately 36.5% peak DC power across 60-90% load. By avoiding the part-load penalties conventional generation assets incur, TurboCell achieves real-world efficiency gains.
TurboCell produces approximately 75 dBA of noise at 23 feet, which is similar to a typical dishwasher or washing machine. Lower dBA enclosure options are available.
TurboCell is designed for long life and minimal maintenance. It features an 80,000-hour lifecycle, enabled by an engine with only three moving parts and hydrodynamic bearings. As a result, TurboCell typically requires oil changes only every 15,000 hours (approximately every two years).
The result is high reliability, significantly reduced maintenance requirements, and clean, durable power designed for continuous operation.
In contrast, diesel generators often contain more than 2,000 moving parts with high-wear friction interfaces, require oil changes every 500–1,000 hours, and typically have a lifecycle of around 15,000 hours.
Unlike traditional turbine designs that rely on bespoke, low-volume parts, TurboCell leverages mass-produced components available at true automotive scale. The system integrates commercial turbochargers from BorgWarner that are engineered to withstand the extreme heat and vibration of heavy-duty transport applications.
With a proven B10 life exceeding one million miles, these components deliver high reliability while benefiting from established automotive manufacturing quality and a stable global supply chain.
TurboCell’s measured NOx, CO and particulate emissions generally fall well below regulatory emissions standards for prime and non-emergency engines using natural gas, diesel, and hydrogen. When using natural gas as fuel, TurboCell is CARB compliant without the aftertreatment (SCR) that is often required for conventional turbine engines. NOx emissions on natural gas are approximately 86% lower than conventional turbines without aftertreatment. When using diesel as fuel, TurboCell produces 94% lower NOx emissions compared to theTier 2 diesel generators that are commonly used for backup power. For detailed and site-specific information, please contact us.
Surging demand for large-load grid access is colliding with slow resource expansion, creating long interconnection delays—made worse in data centers by AI-driven power-quality concerns. As utilities reserve gigawatts of headroom for peak demand, customers who can offer curtailable, flexible load gain a clear advantage. TurboCell's fast start, rapid ramp, and block-loading capabilities enable it to transition seamlessly from Day-1 bridging power to a flexible load-management (Demand Response) asset. Paired with integrated AI-load smoothing to ensure power quality, TurboCell accelerates interconnect approvals without adding capital or operational overhead.
Yes, grid-forming and frequency-agnostic options are available, capable of operating in parallel with the grid through DC bus injection or through its onboard inverter to an AC load bus.
