Flavio Mello

Flavio Mello is currently the Global Marketing Field Manager for Cummins Power Generation and has held several other roles in Sales, Marketing and Application Engineer since joining Cummins Power Generation in 2004. His background in gensets started with Stemac in the role of Sales Coordinator, Tecnicargo Generator Sets in the role of Sales Manager and later on with SDMO, as Sales and Marketing Manager. Flavio has a Marketing Degree from Paulist University in Sao Paulo, has completed his six sigma training. He also completed the Integrate On line Strategies from University of San Francisco and is a certified TLC (Through the Lens of the Customer) trainer.

For some time, Cummins Power Generation has been working to provide all generator needs to Nokia Siemens Networks, one of the largest telecommunications equipment suppliers in the world, operating in over 150 countries with 60,000 employees. Cummins Middle East played a key role in strengthening this relationship by hosting a proof-of-concept demonstration for the DCathlon® DC Generator.

Nokia Siemens Networks found the DCathlon DC product while searching for alternative power solutions on the Cummins Power Generation website. After learning that the DCathlon provides full power at high operating temperatures, Nokia Siemens Networks wanted to observe this capability firsthand.

Knowing that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emphasizing green power solutions, Cummins Middle East persuaded Nokia Siemens Networks to ask their client, DU Telecom, to consider LPG-fired DC generators — like the DCathlon DC — instead of traditional diesel-fired AC generators. DU Telecom is the newest telecom service provider in the UAE.

When they agreed, Cummins Middle East then hosted a proof-of-concept demonstration in July for both Nokia Siemens Networks and DU Telecom. Cummins Power Products and Cummins Power Generation, Ltd., based in Kent, England, brought a DCathlon unit to the Cummins Middle East facility in Dubai.



Based on a successful demonstration, DU Telecom is confident that the DCathlon product will enhance their wireless network power reliability. Their primary power system relies on solar panels collecting energy from an adequate amount of sunlight during the day to power the batteries through the night. However, if insufficient power is collected due to lack of sunlight, then the DCathlon generator sets will kick in to provide backup power.

Samer Abughazzleh, general manager, Power Generation Business for Cummins Middle East, said, “Nokia Siemens Networks is so pleased with the performance of the DCathlon generator that it will field-test the product in Dubai in Q4 2010. DCathlon generators will also be part of the company’s global product portfolio as a key component for remote, solar- or wind-powered cell tower locations worldwide.”

Amit Deshpande, Power Generation sales manager, Cummins Middle East Dubai, said, “We are confident that other telecom customers will also embrace the DCathlon generator as a reliable source of alternative energy.”

Cummins Middle East will be providing full service and parts support of the DCathlon product with fully trained generator technicians from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.  

Video is a great way to get relevant information to people interested in a home standby generator. That’s why Cummins Onan developed several short, easy-to-watch and informative videos that enable homeowners, builders and electrical contractors to get convenient access to the latest product information and technical advice without spending a lot of time searching.
The following videos are available on the Cummins Power Generation channel of YouTube:

• Cummins Onan Residential Products Overview
• How to Select the Right Size Residential Generator
• Home Standby Generator (Maintenance)
• Home Standby Generator RS20 (Close-Up)

Click here to access any of these videos

The ability to provide a comprehensive solution prompted Gulf Medical Projects Company to choose Cummins Power Generation to supply backup power for its new 200-bed hospital in Dubai.

The Al Zahra medical complex in Dubai includes a 20,000-square-meter staff accommodation facility as well as a six-story state-of-the-art hospital that occupies 62,000 square meters. The entire project is valued at $200 million.

The emergency power solution includes four C2250D5 generators, four 3200A generator set load terminal boxes, four ventilation fan control panels and one 6000A LV synchronization panel. The project is scheduled for commissioning this summer.

Cummins Middle East FZE, the local distributor, played a key role in winning this business.  The key message that resonated with the owner and operator of the complex, Gulf Medical Projects Company, was The Power of One.  In other words, Cummins Power Generation could provide an entire, reliable emergency power solution.

The distributor staff involved includes Amit Deshpande, sales manager; Mohin Shaikh, sales engineer; Fozan Zaidhi, application engineer; and S. Viswanath, project execution manager. Siva Kumar, Cummins regional sales manager, Middle East, was also instrumental in the sale.

Alesso, the Cummins Power Generation distributor in Mexico, closed a deal to supply backup power for an upscale Mexican department store chain, El Palacio de Hierro.

The firm is adding two new locations. One is in the Cancun shopping district, and the other is in Acoxpa, located in the Federal District (Mexico, D.F.). Each site will be served by a 750 kW DFHA generator with an accompanying DMC300 digital control panel. This project is being developed in partnership with Alesso Consultants, who will be responsible for servicing the units. The Cancun project will break ground next July, and the Acoxpa site in August.

Alesso accompanied the store’s executive officers on a tour of the Fridley facility of Cummins Power Generation last year where they observed the company's methods and production processes. The tour helped validate the customer’s confidence in the Cummins brand.

The English translation of Palacio de Hierro is Palace of Iron, a name adopted by the owners in 1891 upon the completion of their new, five-story department store in Mexico City. The store was designed to be similar to other upscale retail leaders like Macy’s, Marshall Field's and Harrod's. The building was the first in Mexico City to be constructed of iron and steel. Local residents referred to the construction project as the "iron palace," and the owners capitalized on this publicity by naming the new entity El Palacio de Hierro.

For the third year in a row, Experience.com surveyed companies across the country and picked 20 organizations whose entry-level hiring and retention practices are exceptional. Cummins made this dean’s list of employers.  Check out the complete list of winners (sorted alphabetically).

Here’s what the survey by Experience.com had to say about Cummins:

Why did this company stand out?
A new hire at Cummins won’t sit back and fold their arms... they’ll be on-boarded and given the chance to develop new skills and pave their own career path. What about the culture? This company is very team-oriented and socially minded. Corporate Responsibility is a priority at this company and employees are encouraged to volunteer time and talent to help address the needs of the community.



About Experience.com
Since 1996, Experience.com has been bridging the gap between higher education and the working world. Experience.com gives young adults — also known as Generation Y, or just Gen Y — the career resources and tools they need to find internships and entry-level jobs; connect with employers of the next generation; and network with fellow students, alumni, mentors and peers as they unlock their full potential and launch their careers.

About the survey
The 2010 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads was done in conjunction with  Yahoo! HotJobs. The survey ran from September 2009 through November 2009, garnering responses from nearly 200 corporate recruiters and employers from across the country. In March 2010, the field was narrowed to 50 companies, and then 20 companies were selected based on hiring and retention practices, benefits, training programs, growth opportunities and starting salary. Finally, in April 2010, interviews with company representatives were conducted to verify the information.

Barrick Gold Corporation, in cooperation with Companhia Mineradora Nevada, chose Cummins Power Generation products to provide prime power for a landmark gold and silver mining operation called Pascua Lama. Straddling the Andes Mountains, the project is expected to yield 750,000 ounces of gold and 30 million ounces of silver annually.

The Pascua Lama project is the first of its kind to span two countries: Chile and Argentina. Given the remote  location and 3,000-meter-high elevation in the Andes Mountains, the firm elected to install a self-contained, modular energy plant. The project, designed by Cummins Power Generation of Chile, includes two synchronized 545 DQCA generators, DMC power electronics for load control, a certified fuel system with a 13-cubic-meter tank, plus engineering and assembly. Operations were scheduled to start in June.

The company management chose Cummins because of its superior technical proposal, a differentiated modular design, and superior fuel consumption economies.

According to Don Gesick, general manager, Energy Solutions Business (ESB) Americas, “The customer chose Cummins Power Generation (CPG) primarily because of our “Power of One” solution. The ESB, Commercial Products and Power Electronics business units, together with two distributors, combined forces to deliver a design, product and service solution that includes one 1750 kW diesel generator and five 1750 kW lean-burn gas generators, as well as paralleling switchgear, transfer switches, installation reviews and commissioning services.

Peter Schroeck, manager of ESB business development, noted that there is a growing market for lean-burn natural gas-generated backup and supplemental power.

Summarizing the advantages of a duel-fuel approach, Schroeck also noted that, “Diesel power provides the quick-starting capability that is required for emergency standby power. Lean-burn natural gas, on the other hand, complements the diesel capability, allowing for maximum power availability.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, for example, many areas were without power for over a week. The average on-site diesel storage tank typically provides fuel for 8 – 24 hours, while natural gas offers an almost limitless supply of fuel that is not usually interrupted by hurricanes. The overall CPG solution provides the advantages of both fuel types.

While not on the Gulf Coast, Baton Rouge is in the “hurricane zone,” and this factor was not overlooked when ESB and Cummins Mid-South personnel, Bob Hamilton (sales manager) and John Sarris (commercial sales engineer), counseled the customer to choose a duel-fuel solution with both diesel and lean-burn natural gas units.

Cummins Power Generation has developed an impressive array of e-newsletters aimed at different audiences around the globe. The overall goal for these electronic publications is simple: provide specific, timely information about particular Cummins Power Generation products, projects and events to people with an interest in them. Here's a description of each:

* Power Connection - English Version - Global
Power Connection is a quarterly newsletter that covers all global news from Cummins Power Generation.

* Power Topics - English Version - North America Region
This is Power Topics, your e-channel for news on Cummins Power Generation. Every issue will help you stay informed about what is going on in the universe of the worldwide leader in reliable power solutions. We hope you enjoy your reading!

* One Minute Power News - English Version - Europe, Middle East and Africa
EMEA monthly newsletter that provides information on project success, events, training and new products in English.

* One Minute Power News - Spanish Version - Europe, Middle East and Africa
Boletin mensual para la region EMEA que proporciona informacion sobre proyectos, eventos, sesiones de entrenamiento y nuevos productos.

* One Minute Power News - French Version - Europe, Middle East and Africa
LAfricaLettreLLettre d' information mensuelle qui fournit des details sur le Lettre d'information mensuelle qui fournit des details sur le succes de nos produits, evenements, formations et introductions de nouveaux produits.

* Driving Force - Your G-Drive Newsletter
A newsletter that covers all news around the power of Cummins engines for generator set applications.

* Sparks - English Version - Asia Pacific
The editorial team from Cummins Power Generation is proud to present Sparks - your monthly dosage of power news, events, case studies and new products electrifying the Asia Pacific region.

* Energizing Your Life - Your Cummins Onan Newsletter
The Energizing Your Life newsletter provides up-to-date developments on Cummins Onan generators specifically designed for use in RV, Marine, Residential and Commercial Mobile applications.

* Energia Total - English Version - Latin America
Your monthly e-newsletter with the latest Latin American market news. Events, case stories, training, new products and much more.

* Energia Total - Spanish Version - America Latina
Su comunicado mensual en linea con las ultimas novedades del mercado Latinoamericano. Eventos, casos de exito, entrenamientos, nuevos productos y mucho mas.

* Energia Total em Portugues - America Latina
Newsletter com as ultimas novidades da Cummins Power Generation na America Latina. Eventos, Cases, e muito mais.

The signup page for these newsletters is here.

Cummins Power Generation is about to launch its new "The Power of One" Screen Saver.
Our power systems are not just integrated, but pre–integrated — because all of the components are designed and built to work together. The result? Smaller equipment footprints, reduced installation time and higher system reliability. That’s The Power of One™.
The screen saver will feature the latest in high horsepower generator technology assembled piece by piece with all the components (Engine, Alternator, Control System, Radiator, Base frame, ATS - Automatic Transfer Switch, Day Tank, Battery Charger, Mufflers, etc) being mounted in a 3D environment.

If you want to receive a notification when it is available, click here.

Watch the preview:

Social media is now an essential part of many initiatives by Cummins Power Generation. The overall concept is to join the conversations that are occurring continually on the web about power generation and offer relevant information to the various industries and markets that we serve. In this way, timely, useful information on Cummins products and services will be more easily found by a wide audience comprising engineers, contractors, dealers, distributors, employees, OEMs, commercial end users and homeowners.

We are using a mix of approaches, including the following:

• Several e-newsletters, among them Power Topics, are being produced. Each addresses a specific customer group and its needs. If you want to subscribe to them, click here.
• The Cummins Onan website, http://www.cumminsonan.com, has been revamped from top to bottom to make it more useful and easier to navigate.
• All articles and press releases are posted on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the Cummins Power Generation blog - http://www.cumminspowerblog.com.
• Informative Cummins videos on a variety of topics are available on the Cummins Power Generation channel on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/CumminsPowerGen.
• A number of analytical and measurement tools are being used to track the value of all these efforts, to see what is effective in communicating with our various audiences.
We are making a concerted effort to become a timely and relevant information source for you, and to listen to and join the conversations and communities that involve our products and services.

Any comments or ideas around this initiative, will be very welcome.

Brazil has one of the world’s most modern and efficient poultry industries. The São Salvador Poultry Processing Plant, better known as SuperFrango (SuperChicken), is a pioneer in modern poultry-raising systems in the country’s central region. The company, headquartered in Itaberaí, Brazil, was founded in 1970 through a partnership between friends Carlos Vieira da Cunha and José Carlos de Souza.
SuperFrango continually invests in new technology to improve operational stability and performance, while complying with all required health and sanitation standards. Their commitment to these practices is demonstrated in their latest project: the Pintos de Corte incubator.

Prime technology
After five years of planning, design and construction, and a $12.6 million investment,  SuperFrango opened its new 14,000-square meter plant on a 100,000-square meter site. The plant provides jobs for about 1,400 employees.
The plant currently processes 180,000 chickens daily, and it is sized to reach a volume of 320,000 chickens by 2012. The plant will also provide up to 10.7 million eggs monthly. SuperFrango exports to Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa, as well as serving the Brazilian market.
As with most industrial facilities in Brazil, SuperFrango needs reliable, economical power. Utility power at the site is provided based on a “time of day” rate, so economics dictate a design that provides a seamless transfer between utility and generator plant. A prime power generation and ramping power transfer system was the answer. After a market study to determine the best equipment available in Brazil and internationally, SuperFrango teamed up with Cummins Power Generation to provide a cutting-edge peaking power solution for the entire complex. The installation work began in April 2006, and delivery was made in November 2008, three months ahead of schedule.

Power for growth
The system includes five Cummins model C400D6 456 kVA diesel generator sets driven by Cummins NTA855G5 engines, which are manufactured in Brazil. The generator sets also include alternators and PowerCommand digital paralleling controls and switchgear, all manufactured by Cummins. The equipment was provided and is serviced by Cummins DCCO, the local Cummins distributor.

The Cummins Power Generation peak power system helps SuperFrango meet its electricity needs by monitoring utility power, starting and paralleling the generators if power fails, and transferring power from the utility to the generators as needed. When time of day electric costs require it, the system will automatically start the generators, parallel them to the utility, and control their power output so that load on the utility (and costs) are minimized. The generators provided are sufficient to operate the entire facility. When it’s time to shut them down, the system synchronizes and parallels the generators to the utility, transfers the load back to the utility, disconnects and cools down the generators, and leaves them ready to start again when they are needed.
By operating the standby power system in prime power mode at peak hours, SuperFrango achieves savings of up to 30% during the three hours a day when the cost of utility power is highest. By economizing in this way on energy, SuperFrango can invest in other areas and continue growing, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Click here to access the SuperFrango Interactive Case History.

It is wrenching to follow the news of Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster. Experience from our own tragedy in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina has intensified our empathy and response to the crisis in Haiti.
In the aftermath of Katrina, valuable lessons were learned in the US about emergency power preparedness, about how important it is for each geographic region to tailor their stand by systems to their weather, flooding, and exposure to earthquakes, and how important it is to maintain stand by power generators.
From regional blackouts in the Northeast to earthquakes in the West to hurricanes in the Gulf and on the East Coast, there are numerous examples of how both manmade and natural disasters test the mettle of stand by generator systems.
After Katrina hit New Orleans, the only power systems that functioned properly were those that had been properly maintained and located above the floodwaters, or had sufficient fuel supplies or were in a part of the city accessible to refueling trucks.
Though it’s nearly impossible to predict and plan for a complete collapse of a region’s infrastructure, there are a number of steps that industrial facility operators can take to minimize stand by power system failures in the event of a disaster. The first step is to plan for generator location. In areas prone to flooding, there has been a move to place generator sets on platforms, on upper floors or on rooftops.  Rooftop locations can be vulnerable to high winds, but modern ISO-style generator set enclosures are available with wind ratings up to 150 mph. Each facility manager will have to assess the risk of a stand by power system failure and make the appropriate investment in system design.
The next step is planning for fuel choice. The traditional choice for stand by generator systems is diesel fuel. It’s relatively safe to store and economical, and diesel-fueled engines have an unsurpassed record of dependability and durability. However, when a power system is called upon to run for extended periods, fuel re-supply is an issue. And if severe infrastructure damage prevents getting additional fuel, then the stand by power system will eventually fail when the fuel runs out.
According to anecdotal data gathered by FEMA, natural gas supplies continued to be available during and after Katrina. Of the stand by power systems that were fueled with natural gas, most seemed to function without interruption. Other evidence suggests that natural gas was shut off to some regions.  This has prompted some facility operators to consider natural gas as a stand by power system fuel for future emergencies. However, in regions of the U.S. prone to earthquake damage, natural gas lines are often broken or otherwise disrupted during earthquakes, making natural gas in those regions unreliable and/or dangerous during natural disasters. There are, however, performance and maintenance differences between natural gas engine generators and diesel generators to consider.
Once the stand by fuel type has been determined, facility managers should have standing agreements with fuel suppliers that can re-supply during an extended outage. In the case of Katrina, facilities that tried to buy diesel fuel on the spot market after the hurricane found it either prohibitively expensive or just not available because roads were flooded and impassable. If there is sufficient warning that a disaster is approaching, facility manages can plan for temporary diesel tanks to be brought in.
Finally, while the storm and floodwaters after Katrina were the major causes of stand by power system failures, poor power generator maintenance was also a cause. Dead starting batteries, old diesel fuel and improperly maintained electrical equipment all contributed to power system failures that had little to do with the storm.  Diesel standby generators are extremely reliable and although they need minimal maintenance compared to other building systems, neglect can lead to a loss of electrical power when one can least afford it. Many facilities contract with generator distributors and local service companies to do routine generator maintenance and it’s well worth it.
Standby for emergency power generators provide a good way to keep facilities functioning during a disaster or its aftermath. Good system planning and attention to maintenance will help facility managers cope better with a power failure and make their stand by power systems less vulnerable to wind, floods and disruptions in fuel supply.

If you need more details, please click here to download our White Paper on Lessons in Emergency Power Preparedness written by Robert Hamilton, Sales Director, Cummins Mid South.

Hello World,

This is the official blog for Cummins Power Generation and Cummins Onan.

The internet has changed the way in which people communicate and interact – new means of conversation and self-expression mean that media and information are now highly devolved and diverse.

So, basically we could either have to totally ignore this medium or fully embrace it – going half-measures would have been a waste of your and our time. So, we are joining in the conversation and giving our views on the subjects we are experts – Industrial Generators, CHP Cogeneration, Gensets for Marine, RV and Residential, and much more.

We will be up front, and we will respect the values and codes of the blogging world. This isn’t a fly-by-night product related spam push. We’re here for the long-term and willing to discuss topics with you and the wider community, so feel free to join in with your views on what we’re about. Also we’re not just here but elsewhere online – be sure to check out out on Flickr, YouTube and Twitter as well, or become a fan of us or a member of the Cummins Power Generation on Facebook.

The emergency power generator system you have in place is your insurance that the hospital, airport, government building, telecommunications facility, and even nuclear power plant that you manage will continue to operate in the event of a power failure. And just as you maintain business on a day-to-day basis, your on-call back up plan needs maintenance attention if it’s to serve you the moment you need it. Chances are good that you have diesel power behind your emergency generator. That’s because diesel engines make up the vast majority of the heavy lifting for standby power generators due to their reliability, durability and performance under load. Diesel generators can start and assume full-rated load in less than 10 seconds, and they typically can go 30,000 hours or more between major overhauls. This remarkable set of credentials is unique to diesel engines, but like any mechanical device, maintenance is critical for ensuring that a diesel powered standby generator will start and run when needed.

So, how should you plan for a maintenance schedule for your backup power system?

Because diesel engines are so durable, most maintenance is preventive in nature and it’s generally a good idea to establish and stick to a schedule of maintenance and service based on how often the generator is likely to be used and any operating conditions such as extreme temperatures in the environment. Important factors to consider in setting up a maintenance schedule are if the backup generator is on continuous duty and whether it has exposure to weather, salt water, dust, sand or other airborne contaminates.

There are six main areas of maintenance to cover to make sure the system is safe and reliable. Here are the basics of those areas:

General Inspection: This covers the exhaust system, fuel system, DC electrical system and the engine.

Lubrication Service: Check the engine oil level when it’s shut down and change the oil and filter at the intervals recommended.

Cooling System Service: Check the coolant level during shutdown periods. Heavy-duty diesel engines require a balanced coolant mixture of water, antifreeze and coolant additives. Be sure to inspect the exterior of the radiator for obstructions and remove all dirt or foreign material. Check the operation of the coolant heater.

Fuel System Service: Diesel fuel is subject to contamination and deterioration over time, and one reason for regular generator set maintenance is to use up stored fuel over the course of a year before it degrades. Fuel filters should be drained at regular intervals as well as checking for water vapor accumulation and condensation in the fuel tank. The charge-air piping and hoses should be inspected daily for leaks, holes, cracks or loose connections and the engine air intake components should be checked at regular intervals.

Starting Batteries: Weak or undercharged starting batteries are the most common cause of standby power system failures. Even when kept fully charged and maintained, lead-acid starting batteries are subject to deterioration over time and must be periodically replaced when they no longer hold a proper charge. Only a regular schedule of inspection and testing under load can prevent starting problems with the generator.

Diesel Generator Sets Exercise: Industrial Generator sets on continuous standby must be able to go from a cold start to being fully operational in a matter of seconds. This can impose a severe burden on engine parts. However, regular exercising keeps engine parts lubricated, prevents oxidation of electrical contacts, uses up fuel before it deteriorates, and, in general, helps provide reliable engine starting.

I’ve given you a few guidelines to consider for your planned diesel engine maintenance and perhaps alerted you to the importance of taking preventive action. Preventive maintenance for diesel engine generators plays a critical role in maximizing reliability, minimizing repairs and reducing long-term costs. By following generally recognized diesel maintenance procedures and specific manufacturer recommendations for your application, you’ll be assured that your standby power system will start and run when you need it most.

If you need more details, please click here to download our White Paper about Generator Sets Maintenance written by  Timothy A. Loahlein, Project Manager at Cummins Power Generation.

Hello World,

This is the official blog for Cummins Power Generation and Cummins Onan.

The internet has changed the way in which people communicate and interact – new means of conversation and self-expression mean that media and information are now highly devolved and diverse.

So, basically we could either have to totally ignore this medium or fully embrace it – going half-measures would have been a waste of your and our time. So, we are joining in the conversation and giving our views on the subjects we are experts – Backup Power Systems, Cogeneration Power, Home Power Generator, Marine Genset, Portable Electric Generators, Industrial Generators, and much more.

We will be up front, and we will respect the values and codes of the blogging world. This isn’t a fly-by-night product related spam push. We’re here for the long-term and willing to discuss topics with you and the wider community, so feel free to join in with your views on what we’re about. Also we’re not just here but elsewhere online – be sure to check us out on Flickr, YouTube and Twitter as well, or like us on our Cummins Power Generation page on Facebook.

Thank you very much !

www.facebook.com/cumminspower
www.twitter.com/cumminspowergen
www.youtube.com/cumminspowergen