Kohler’s new eFrame gen-set enclosures

Kohler Power’s new eFrame enclosure for its largest KD Series of industrial generator sets.

Kohler Power has developed a new industrial generator enclosure product for its largest KD Series of industrial generator sets. The new eFrame enclosures are engineered to meet the specific requirements of mission-critical applications – primarily data centers – while providing shorter lead times, earlier installation and better service and maintenance access.

“The eFrame walk-in enclosure is ideal for mission critical applications – including data centers, water utility, and healthcare – and can be customizable to meet the needs of our customers,” said Brad Meissner, product manager for Kohler Power. “We’re the only manufacturer to ensure that the complete design, production, and testing occurs right at our factory. The one-stop approach increases our control of the entire manufacturing and testing process to ensure the highest quality while significantly decreasing lead times, which is very important for data center customers that operate under tight timelines.”

The eFrame walk-in enclosures house Kohler KD Series industrial generators rated 2000 kW and larger, and is available in three configurations – V12 (2000 kW to 2500 kW), V16 (2800 kW to 3250 kW) and V20 (3500 kW to 4000 kW). They are designed for high durability and incorporate an all-aluminum skin and frame construction and a fade/scratch/corrosion-resistant powdered coat exterior. The enclosures meet or exceed 135-mph wind load ratings, the company said.

Additionally, the entire power system is a totally integrated package, with all components single-sourced from the Kohler factory including engineering, manufacturing and testing. “It’s the single source philosophy,” Meissner said. “A customer only has to deal with Kohler. There is no finger pointing, with third party packagers, if something occurs in the field, it can be dealt with in-house here.

“It allows us to control our own destiny as well. Especially now, where supply chains are getting very constrained, the more content you own, the more you can control that and the better service you can provide your customers.”

The Kohler eFrame enclosure incorporates a modular design that makes it capable of being separated into three sections, each able to be independently removed in the field. This allows users to service the engine and radiator without disconnecting any site connections that occur in the rear section, the company said. This, Kohler said, localizes the service work to avoid potential mishaps to other components while significantly reducing service costs and downtime.

Installation is also simplified, with the sub-base fuel tank set in place, the generator set mounted directly to the tank and then the enclosure placed atop the generator. The alternator load leads are wired to the free-standing breaker, followed by final customer connections, including load leads, shore power and communication cables.

Kohler said the enclosure has gone through vigorous testing and approval to ensure reliability. In addition to the wind rating, it is also UL2200 FTTP certified for construction and IBC certified via analysis for site specific use. The subbase tanks meet UL 142, ULC, and state-specific requirements.

Kohler said the eFrame enclosures will be available in late summer.