Load banks have been an essential part of the industrial generator testing. These devices test the different power backups for their adaptability and sustenance. The different industries opt for the load bank testing to ensure if the generator or the UPS installed will be able to safeguard the types of equipment from the inevitability of the adverse impact resulting to the service disruptions. Therefore, the testing has stood out to be a critical part of all commissioning projects.

There are mainly two different types of load bank testing— resistive and reactive. Depending on the type of commissioning, the kind of testing is opted. The use of the resistive load bank provides the ample testing of the load sharing and the prime mover individually. The following are some of the elemental features related to the resistive load bank testing when it comes to testing the electrical component at unity power factor-

•        Prime Mover Testing

The resistive load bank is used to test the prime mover at its maximum speed, i.e. at 100% load capacity. The standby system is put to the test to verify the overall performance of the generator/UPS under the critical situation. It checks for the generator's load-bearing power at different load. The testing also examines the vibration, noise and the other determining factors that would be detrimental to the efficiency of the machine.

• Test the Fuel Efficiency

It is also one of the crucial factors that determine how well the power backup would perform after the commissioning. The use of the resistive loadbank tests; for the elements like fuel consumption, the flow of the fuel and the generator’s ability to dispose of the unburnt fuel. It tests the component at the maximum rated value and concludes if the use of the generator is going to be beneficial for the industry or not.

•  Testing the Unit’s Cooling Ability

The generator at the industries run for several years and generates heat. The heat needs to be dissipated continuously to make sure that it does not start to malfunction. Therefore, the load bank is used to test how much functional the cooling system of the same when operated at its maximum potential.

• Checks for the Proper Evaporation

Moisture is formed on the surface of the engine oil. The resistive load bank is used to test the generator’s ability to deal with the wet stacking (the condition when the generator is left idle for days) and the accumulation of the moisture on the surface of the oil. It also tests for the condition when it does not operate at the minimum load and record the performance or the efficiency.

•  Checks for the Mechanical Error

Another significant advantage of the use of the loadbank is that it can be used to point out some of the undetectable errors. This helps in saving the extra expenditure that comes in the way of production leading to the failure and downtime.

Conclusion

It is true that the load banks play a crucial role in the testing of the different power backups when it comes to industrial commissioning. The industrial functions are dependent on the output of the load bank. It determines whether the generator will perform the way it is expected to work during an emergency situation or not. Therefore, for unity power factor testing or the general maintenance- load bank plays an indispensable part.

This article was created by JAMES MUDALIAR and firstly published here. 

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