On October 16-18, 2019, MTU Onsite Energy hosted its 11th annual Engineering Symposium at the factory in Mankato, MN. Curtis Engine took 49 people to the Symposium -- the largest single group in attendance and also the largest group Curtis has ever brought. Approximately 500 people from North and South America were in attendance. Attendees were mostly electrical engineers, but there were also end users, suppliers and energy service companies present.
MTU Onsite Energy offered 15 class options for the registrants to choose to attend. Additionally, the factory was open for a tour which the majority of attendees included in their busy day. The most popular classes this year focused on Microgrids, including basic, intermediate and high-level class options. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generator education was also a hot topic. Sessions on generator set sizing and installation considerations continued to be well attended. Engineers were able to earn Continuing Education credits for all classes.
MTU, which is part of Rolls Royce Power Systems, also unveiled its new branding, which will be introduced later this year. The new brand is MTU, a Rolls-Royce Solution. The updated logo is shown above.
Because of an excellent flight schedule our group also stopped at Trystar in Faribault, MN for a plant tour and lunch/learn on generator and load bank docking stations. Docking stations are being used more and more often on projects in our region. On the 18th, our group also did a tour of the Leroy-Somer plant in North Mankato, MN. Leroy-Somer is one of the leading manufacturers of industrial alternators used on many MTU Onsite Energy generator systems.
All in all, we had a very diverse and engaged group of engineers. Everyone was able to learn something new and meet many new and interesting people. We thank everyone for attending.