Kohler Power Systems Debuts Standardized Paralleling System; Factory Prototype-Tested, Fiscally Approved

Kohler, WI - Kohler Power Systems recently announced the arrival of its Decision-Maker Paralleling System: a fully Kohler designed and branded, factory prototype-tested, standardized product approach to "sum of the parts" backup power generation. Designed together as a comprehensive system, Decision-Maker Paralleling System consists of three components engineered specifically for generator set paralleling and can be specified across Kohler's entire line — 100 to 3250 kilowatt — of industrial gaseous — and diesel-power generators.

"With Decision-Maker Paralleling System, Kohler Power Systems offers an alternative to large kilowatt single-generator backup power systems, as well as the traditionally complex, highly customized approach to paralleling," said Jim Kukla, marketing manager, industrial generators, Kohler Power Systems. "Paralleling doesn't need to be a complex exercise, which is why Kohler focused on developing a factory prototype-tested system. Because Kohler took the initiative to design an end-to-end system and test each component together, specifying engineers and electrical contractors don't need to worry about power system component interface problems and can find peace of mind in the reliable redundancy, power output flexibility and system scalability attributes that define Kohler's Decision-Maker Paralleling System."

The Components

Designed specifically for generator paralleling, Decision-Maker 6000 is the control unit within the Decision-Maker Paralleling System. In a multi-generator array, each generator comes equipped with a DEC 6000. Interconnected communications facilitates power synchronization and load sharing; as well as system protective functions and breaker control through system-wide monitoring of generator frequency, voltage and load.

The power distribution switchboard provides a power output consolidation hub and houses the necessary breakers for the generators and loads. By combining the power from multiple generators, Kohler's switchboard achieves the final desired power output to support a facility's electrical load needs.

Adding enhanced capability to Decision-Maker Paralleling System, Kohler's Master Control Panel (MCP) component supports load shedding/adding based on critical load needs. Designed with a full system graphical interface, MCP monitors system electrical and mechanical loads and includes event logging and alarm functionality. In addition to load management, Master Control Panel also facilitates generator management, balancing operating hours across the paralleled generator sets to equalize maintenance needs.

Why Parallel?

"Decision-Maker Paralleling System delivers the same backup power production as a single high output generator, but with redundancy and thus more reliability, flexibility and fuel options — and in a cost-competitive manner," continued Kukla.

In a paralleling environment, even the standby power source is backed up due to multiple power generators at the same site. As a result, critical loads have multiple layers of redundancy and enhanced power reliability. Being a factory prototype-tested system, Decision-Maker Paralleling System facilitates scalable future expansion in the long term, while easing the initial capital cost of a backup power system in the near term. Specifying engineers and electrical contractors can install a generator set configuration that meets a facility's electrical load needs today and retain the option to expand the generator array in a streamlined fashion tomorrow as power demands grow.

Paralleling multiple generators also yields power flexibility, as well as potential fuel conservation. Any number of generator sets beyond one enables better matching of power produced to power needed by running only as many generators as necessary. As an auxiliary benefit, operating the minimum required number of generators can reduce fuel consumption and cost. Multiple generator sets also afford a facility manager expanded space utilization options versus a single larger kilowatt generator, with smaller generator sets occupying a smaller footprint. Paralleled generators don't need to be situated in tight proximity, only wired together.

SOURCE: Kohler Co.