Kohler adds Deutz power to gen-set line - Kohler Power Systems

Diesel Progress North American Edition, June, 1999 by Mark McNeely

Recognizing that customers' needs are becoming increasingly more specific for their on-site power applications, Kohler Power Systems has introduced a line of 13 new generator sets, ranging from 20 to 170 kW. The new ROZK generator sets, which feature EPA-certified Deutz diesel engines, are designed for the global market and complement Kohler's line of John Deere-powered generator sets.

"We believe in offering our customers as much flexibility as possible when choosing their power systems," said James Kukla, product manager-Kohler Power Systems, Kohler, Wis. "With the release of these new Deutz-powered models, Kohler has the unique flexibility of offering two excellent generator set choices within this kilowatt range."

Kohler's ROZK series provides on-site power for standby, prime or energy management applications for customers in telecommunications, agriculture, health care, hospitality, government, utility, retail and industrial facilities.

By incorporating the four-stroke Deutz engines, Kohler utilitizes a specific engine model for each of its 13 new generator sets. The ROZK gen-sets at 20, 30 and 40 kW use the three- and four-cylinder Deutz 1011 series diesel engines, rated from 32.6 to 64.3 hp at 1800 rpm (28.6 to 55.8 hp at 1500 rpm). These engines incorporate a single media (oil) that is used for cooling and lubricating the engine.

Kohler's ROZK Gen-Sets

Model       60 Hz Standby (kW)    50 Hz Prime (kVA)           Engine

20ROZK               20                    20               F3M1011F
30ROZK               28                    28               F4M1011F
40ROZK               40                    41              BF4M1011F
50ROZK               50                    54              BF4M1012E
60ROZK               60                    65             BF4M1012EC
70ROZK               74                    83              BF4M1013E
80ROZK               81                     -             BF4M1013EC
90ROZK               92                   100             BF4M1013EC
100ROZK             100                     -             BF4M1013FC
115ROZK             115                   130              BF6M1013E
135ROZK             135                     -             BF6M1013EC
150ROZK             150                   155             BF6M1013FC
170ROZK             175                   170             BF6M1013FC

Ratings: 60 Hz, 277/480V; 50 Hz 220/380V

The 50 and 60 kW ROZK generators feature the four-cylinder 1012 series engines, rated 79 hp at 1800 rpm (75 hp at 1500 rpm); and 99 hp at 1800 rpm (92 hp at 1500 rpm), respectively. The four ROZK generators from 70 to 100 kW use the four-cylinder 1013 series engines, rated from 115 to 164 hp at 1800 rpm (114 to 137 hp at 1500 rpm). Finally, the four ROZK gen-sets from 115 to 170 kW use the six-cylinder 1013 series engines, rated from 180 to 264 hp at 1800 rpm (172 to 228 hp at 1500 rpm).

"Deutz has done a good job of tailoring the engines for the kilowatt outputs that Kohler needed, both domestically and internationally," Kukla explained. "Dual product lines in this size range, along with the tailored engine matches, not only provide our customers with the flexibility and choice of engines, but also the value that goes with these choices."

"These tailored engines also include the development of the FC model," said Rick Locke, senior staff engineer for Kohler Power Systems. "Initially, Deutz has developed this engine model for Kohler in order to provide us with the necessary power to meet our generator set kilowatt targets." These FC engines are similar externally to the EC engines; however, changes were made to several internal engine components in order for the FC engines to give Kohler the necessary power.

"We've also been able to create a new generator set model that Kohler identified as an industry need," Kukla said. "Currently, the industry typically goes from 100 to either 125 electric kW or 135 kW, 60 Hz standby. With the Deutz engines, we have the opportunity to develop 115 kW. That's a new size for our industry. We've studied this size range for gaps and saw the opportunity for this new model. Kohler's new generator line is very complete and offers customers full flexibility when choosing generator sets for their applications."

In the 50 to 170 kW range, the gen-sets feature electronic governing and engine controls to assure precise frequency regulation, voltage stability, and generator management, according to the company.

Reconnectable to accommodate multiple voltages, each ROZK generator set incorporates Kohler's Fast Response brushless alternator technology, utilizing the fastest voltage response in the on-site power industry, the company said. Relying on a patented activator recovery system, the permanent magnet excited (PMG) generators deliver excellent motor starting ability and provide instant response to load changes.

In addition to fast load response, the generators provide sustained short-circuit current protection up to 300 percent of rated current for up to 10 seconds, according to the company. This short-circuit capability enables downstream circuit breakers to trip without causing the generator field to collapse.