Initial power range from 20 to 300 kW helps meet increasing demand for temporary power
Demand for reliable temporary power in the United States continues to surge, fueled in part by concerns over threatened utility shortages, power quality issues and the associated high costs of losing power. Whether its a manufacturing facility, construction site or special event, rental generator sets are being used on a large scale.
Kohler Power Systems, Kohler, Wis., recently introduced a line of trailer-mounted gen-sets from 20 to 300 kW designed to meet the growing rental demands. The units have been designed to ensure maximum output under difficult and varied operating conditions, such as extreme climatic conditions and elevations.
"This power range represents the initial kickoff for our rental program," noted Charles Doute, manager - rental/prime power sales for Kohler. "What we are concentrating on is making sure that we've completely set up our distribution domestically with this range, then we'll begin to concentrate on larger products.We're looking at a variety of markets that can utilize rental power, including manufacturing, distribution, municipal, health care, utilities, construction and special events or entertainment."
Through its industrial distribution system, Kohler is offering five models of generators in its rental program, including the 20RCOZN, 50ROZJN, 100ROZJN, 180ROZJN and 300ROZDN. The diesel-powered gen-sets feature engines from Yanmar, John Deere and Detroit Diesel.
Power for the 20RCOZN is supplied by a 27.5 hp Yanmar 4JH2LT-K engine; the 50ROZJN is powered by a John Deere 4045T rated 100 hp; a 166 hp John Deere 6068T powers the 100ROZJN; the 180ROZJN is powered by a 300 hp John Deere 6081A diesel; and a 475 hp Detroit Diesel series 60 drives the 300ROZDN. Generators are supplied by Kohler Power Systems and are offered with three switchable voltage configurations, including 120/208 V three-phase, 277/480 V three-phase and 120/240 V single-phase.
Other gen-set accessories include Modine radiators, Cowl exhaust silencers, air cleaners from Nelson and Farr, electronic governors from Barber-Colman and DDEC III from Detroit Diesel, Racor fuel/water separators with 30 micron filter elements, Kim Hotstart engine block heaters and measured shot ether injectors and Kohler battery chargers. The gen-set skid incorporates a Robinson double-wall fuel tank that, together with an integral trailer fuel tank, provides for 24 hours of operation.
The 20 through 180 kW rental units also feature Kohler's Decision-Maker 3+ generator set controllers to provide engine and generator readouts and alarms/shutdowns. The 300 kW model uses Kohler's new Decision-Maker 340 controller. Standard features include meters for Hertz, volts and amperes, analog gauges for oil pressure, engine water temperature and d.c. battery voltage, as well as fault shutdown and status indicators for low coolant level, overcrank, overspeed, low oil pressure, high engine temperature and low water temperature.
The units are also available with expanded indicating features and an optional oversized panel box allows for the installation of an engine oil temperature gauge, tachometer and wattmeter.
Generator power protection features include a keyed voltage selector switch, dual circuit breakers, automatic breaker tripping based on voltage selected and UL-listed full generator ampacity rated load lugs for generator output connections.
A service option includes having a Kohler-trained technician deliver the equipment and give appropriate startup instruction or remain at the job site.
"This rental program is significant in that it creates several new business opportunities for our distributors," Doute said. "We see the purposes of the markets breaking out into six functional uses, including emergency situations, standby and prime power, planned events, peak shaving and reserve power. Reserve power is a program we are developing to guarantee generators in the event of a national emergency."
