2000 kva emergency generator 2

[robertb]

Does anybody has experience with 2000 kw diesel generators by Kohler? How they may be compared with Caterpillar or Cummins units of the same size in reliability and service for mission critical facilities?

Thank you,
Bob

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Since all three manufacturers are in a highly competitive Diesel Generator business, the differences are negligible for an average buyer or procurer. Yes, there are some differences in generator manufacturers, engine manufacturers, and auxiliaries manufacturers.
References:
1.

http://www.marketresearch.com/map/prod/848345.html

for: $5950 a copy of North American Generator Set Markets
2.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/nonroad/equip-hd/nr-ria.pdf

for: Table 2.10
3. etc.

 

[busbar]

The genset producer is far less important than details clearly stated in procurement verbiage. No offense is meant, but the term “mission critical” is meaningless unless precisely defined in specifications and standards.

Acceptable specs come from years of experience and ‘lessons learned’ through dealing with similar equipment in similar settings. Expectations of reliability, maintainability and electrical capability/compatibility will likely not be met unless very specific details are addressed before (and after) bid award. Equally important and deserving significant attention are the switchgear and engine controls that support the generator.

It is essentially a sure bet that unless detailed in writing, your perceptions and what a vendor actually provides will be widely different, and may yield a very upset facility operator that has to live with the system you provided for decades.

 

[dpc]

I agree completely with busbar. The selection of engine-generator is dependent on your intended application - expected loading, motor starting, hours of use per year, etc.

As for Kohler, I think their reputation is at least equal to Caterpillar.

I believe Allison may still offer a two-stroke diesel that may be appropriate for a true emergency generator.

If you have an engine-generator that is "mission-critical", you'd better buy at least two and hope that one starts, no matter what brand you buy. And start them once a week.

 

[rbulsara]

While I have my own prefrence, I would want to endorse any manufacturer here at the expense of other.

Some of things you can do to make a final decision include:

1. Take a tour of their factory and get a feel of how they make their units.

2. Ask few users of the similar units who has them for more than 3-5 years.

3.Do not forget to specify a good alternator.

I agree with dpc and busbar.

Reliability of a mission critical system depends on so many things.

 

[Jerry123]

As a field service engineer, in my part of the world Caterpillar is highly recommented. Off hand I can think of 5 hospitals that run Caterpillar units in my area.

As for the 2000KW units, I've had experience with 2 of them at one hospital. As a third party testing company we loadbanked the units. There was one failure with an oil line on one of the units. But with caterpillar service personel on site it was fixed/retested that day and no problem were reported since. That was 2 year ago.

 

[jbartos]

Comment: Caterpillar products are being sold more than Caterpillar competitor products. However, this does not mean that the competitors have lower quality products. The clue is in the integration of engine, generator and accessories based on quality of each component.

 

[jnims]

My company has been involved with several projects using 2000 kW generators for peak shaving. We have used both Caterpillar and Onan. I have also been to Onan's facilities near Minneapolis. Both companies have a good product. Our main gripe has been getting drawings, but this is common to both. Most problems with the units, once they are in place, are handled quickly.