Kohler Releases Highest Rated Units In Company History.
A power journey that began more than four years ago is coming to completion in a very big way.
Kohler Co., the Wisconsin-headquartered manufacturer of power generation systems and gasoline, gaseous and diesel engines, is launching its final two KD Series Tier 2 diesel generator sets, including the highest rated unit in its history at 4000 kW (4 MW).
“This launch really executes on the final vision we had for this product line when we rolled it out,” said Brad Meissner, product manager at Kohler, who was part of the engineering team for the initial KD Series launch. “It’s the largest generator we’ve had and the largest and most power-dense standby generator in the market.
“There are others out there at 4 MW, but when you add their mechanical cooling package, they’re really closer to 3900 kW. Kohler maintains the full 4000 kW rating. The KD4000, despite its full power, is not the largest physically, which translates to power density.”
The KD3500, rated 3500 kW (3.5 MW) and the KD4000 both are driven by the 103 L, 20-cylinder K175 diesel engine which drive Kato four-pole, rotating field, two-bearing, permanent magnet pilot excited brushless alternators.
The Kohler engines are designed and built in Colmar, France by Liebherr Components division. The two family-owned companies formed a strategic agreement in 2010 through which Liebherr developed the K175 and K135 diesels for Kohler’s generator applications in 12-, 16- and 20-cylinder configurations.
Key engine features include a high-pressure common rail fuel system designed to deliver injection pressures up to 32,000 psi. Precisely metered fuel injection results in low fuel consumption, reduced particulate formation and reduced emissions, which helps them meet global emissions regulations in all markets. A turbocharged and aftercooled air handling system helps optimize airflow to the cylinders for maximum power, optimal combustion and reduced fuel consumption, Kohler said.
