Kohler To BACnet and Modbus Protocol Gateways
Kohler Power Industrial Generators are a cornerstone of backup power for mission-critical facilities. While these units typically feature native Modbus/TCP or Modbus/RTU interfaces, many building automation systems (BAS) and industrial PLCs require different communication standards like BACnet, LonWorks, or EtherNet/IP.
Chipkin provides specialized gateway and module solutions designed to bridge the gap between Kohler’s Modbus-based controllers and your preferred control network. This ensures seamless monitoring of fuel levels, engine status, and electrical output across your entire enterprise.
A Comprehensive Range of Kohler Conversion Solutions
Depending on your project scale and existing infrastructure, you can choose between stand-alone gateways or integrated PLC modules. Our solutions allow for direct integration into Rockwell ControlLogix PLCs as well as universal protocol translation for open systems.
| Gateway Model | Serial Ports | Ethernet | Special Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| QuickServer 2010 | 1x RS485, 1x RS485/RS232 | 1x Ethernet | Multi-port expansion |
| QuickServer 1011 | 1x RS485 | 1x Ethernet | 1x LonWorks port |
| QuickServer 3010 | 1x RS485, 1x RS232/RS485 | 1x Ethernet | High resource capacity |
Note: LonWorks and specialized Fieldbus ports are options not included in base models.
System Architecture & Integration
The integration architecture is designed for scalability. A single FieldServer FS30 series gateway can connect to multiple Kohler generator controllers simultaneously. The gateway acts as a Modbus Client (Master) to the generators while serving data to the building network as a BACnet, Metasys®, or LonWorks Server.
Key Integration Benefits:
- Reduced Hardware Costs: Aggregate data from multiple generator controllers into a single network node.
- Customizable Points Mapping: Map only the specific registers you need to monitor, optimizing network bandwidth.
- Pre-Validated Driver Support: Benefit from Chipkin's extensive library of Kohler-specific Modbus register maps.
FAQ - Kohler Integration
1) Can I monitor generator fuel levels remotely?
Yes. By converting Kohler’s Modbus data to BACnet IP or SNMP, your building automation system can trigger email alerts or SMS notifications when fuel levels drop below a specific threshold.
2) Does this require changes to the Kohler controller firmware?
In most cases, no. Our gateways utilize the existing Modbus interface provided by Kohler. You simply need to ensure the Modbus option is enabled in the Kohler controller settings.
3) How many generators can one gateway handle?
This depends on the total point count and physical distance. Over RS-485, you can daisy-chain up to 32 controllers per port, while Ethernet models allow for even larger system capacities.
Expert Technical Support
Integrating power systems requires precision. Chipkin offers full technical support to ensure your Kohler Industrial Power integration is successful from commissioning to long-term maintenance.
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