The Varied Applications of a Load Bank

If you are a manufacturer of standby power generators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and similar equipment and intend to test the capabilities, you would use load banks to test the functionalities. A loadbank is made to impersonate accurately the operational load that the power source would have to face in real situations. Load banks have a controlled and organised flow of voltage as compared to the actual power source. It also at times acts as a power bank during times when the power source isn’t available.

Testing of generators and similar equipment

Load banks are applied for testing on varied equipment such as generators for aircraft, wind energy, hydropower, etc. All manufacturers of power generators use load banks to test the newly made devices. The testing is to check whether the freshly assembled parts would allow the generator perform its task of providing power supply. While conducting the procedure of testing a load bank, the engineer doesn’t start off with the entire load onto the generator. After understanding the strength and endurance of the generator, the power load is increased. The modifications in the power supply can help the engineer to understand the level of tolerance of the generator. Reactive loadbank are also used to test the performance levels of newly manufactured engines. The engines are connected to the load bank with the help of a dynamometer that helps in understanding the performance of the engine and making necessary adjustments to let the engine perform well.

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Testing of generators already in use

Various manufacturing units and industries have generators installed in their premises that come to aid when there is a direct power supply. These generators require servicing from time to time especially when it has not been used for long. It is at these times that loadbank rental services are required. You can either purchase the load banks or can hire them if required for a short span of time. Periodic testing of installed generators keeps its condition intact, and if there are any modifications, it can be corrected after the testing is complete. There are times when a load bank is fixed close to the generator especially in large scale industries as there is a frequent use of generators. For the rest, there is an option of obtaining mobile load banks that are portable and can be carried around anywhere.

Used for demonstration

For manufacturers who deal with the production of generators, at times use load banks to demonstrate the capacity of the generators that they have in stock. Generators vary in size as well as capacity and thus using the load bank for demonstration can help buyers make a purchase with ease.

All That One Needs to Know about Load Banks and Its Types

Load banks are the most effective forms of power testers that allow machinery in the industries to function normally without encountering excessive load of power supply and thus letting the work process to continue normally. Load banks generally monitor the power supply that is redirected to generators and accordingly used to run machinery which is usually performed by resistive load banks. Industries that require uninterrupted power supply for production and other purposes should always depend on load banks to initiate uninterrupted manufacturing procedures.

Load bank manufacturers strive to produce best quality load banks for their customers. People who have manufacturing businesses, construction sites etc. always require uninterrupted power supply and thus in order to have such facilities, the presence of a load bank is required. There are different sizes of load banks that are manufactured depending on the need of the people purchasing it. There are a few who require customized load banks depending on the storing areas in their manufacturing units and thus their demands are accordingly met by the load bank manufacturers. Load banks are available in types such as the Mobile load banks that can be moved around as and when one intends to. Depending on the power source and the generator’s placing, the load bank is accordingly fitted. There are a few load banks that are fitted to a single place and are immovable.

There are several construction sites that are in need of load banks or transformers in order to curb the high power supply or to provide aid at time when there is a disruption of power supply. Since construction sites are temporary setups, there are several builders who intend to take up as rent or hire load banks that can be of use for the period of time that the construction takes place. There are several other manufacturers who take up similar options of hiring or renting load banks that can be used as and when they are required with a certain sum as rent. Manufacturers or dealers of load banks are usually the ones who cater to people who are in need of such load banks on rent.

   

In order to look for load bank manufacturers and know of the kinds of load banks they manufacture, one can always browse the internet and know of the products that are available for purchase. Depending on the capacity of the load bank and the type that they require, one can accordingly choose the ones that suit their budget.      

Load Bank Testing- It’s Importance Explained

Load testing of the emergency standby generator system is a part of the standard planned maintenance program meant for all the systems. The main reason why it is necessary to test a system under the load is to ensure that the generator would perform as designed while it will be required most. Besides, this is also the true manner of checking the performance of the generator. A load bank test, whether it is mobile load bank or any other type allows the verification, which the generator will produce as well as maintain complete load without being overheated and without shutting down. 

This also allows testing all the components of the system, to make it sure that all the things work together as intended and designed and can also help to identify the potential weaknesses in the controlled conditions. Apart from that, this thing also allows proactive maintenance as the weaknesses are identified during the controlled conditions and not during the utility outrage while only one weakness can lead the system to fail.

Sometimes, the load can come from the building load, but this thing may cause the business interruptions while transferring from the utility to the generator. But this also doesn’t allow the load to be applied in the steps, where the performance can be monitored and then recorded.

The majority of the generator systems are designed to exercise on a daily basis. But generally, this exercise period is under very little or no load. So, monitoring the exercise period is also necessary to make sure that the generator starts and operates as it is programmed. But this doesn’t ensure that the generator would only operate as designed.

In most of the cases, the generators are installed and therefore put into the automatic mode. This way, as the generator ages, the chance of weaknesses in the system rises. Other potential enemies that can negatively affect the effectiveness of the generator system are age, pests and weather. Therefore, a properly planned maintenance program, which includes load testing is considered to be the best method to detect as well as minimize the potential weaknesses in any generator system.

So, in conclusion, it can be said that a perfectly planned maintenance program, which includes regular load testing works as a standard component of the generator system. So, regular testing of the system would offer the highest comfort level that while the system is needed, this will operate as planned.