Although many of you have heard about a loadbank there is the likelihood that you may not have precise knowledge about the matter. We are here to discuss loadbanks and their technical aspects in the following lines.

Defining the loadbank

The loadbank is an essential device sourcing electrical load to a specific power source. In a majority of instances, loadbanks are used for testing resistive load. Some daily objects like a light bulb, toasters and even hair dryers are considered simplified versions of a loadbank. However, in a broader sense, the loadbank is used for industrial purposes. Load banks generally use a fan to utilise the airflow in cooling various resistive elements. The contemporary loadbank showcases advanced traits. Typically a unit will feature “individual load steps” allowing repeatable and precise loading.

The large relay unit or load contactor enabled with branch fuse is used for applying or removing the load steps.

Load Bank and its application in wet stacking

Wet stacking which is a typical industrial term is referred to as a procedure for gathering unburned fuel of a diesel-run engine. Wet stacking commonly takes place when the engine is underloaded or cannot reach its optimal operating temperature. When left unattended wet stacking can cut down engine efficiency. Load bank helps resolve wet stacking.

Load Bank and its role in creating cleaner emissions

When a load bank is used on a diesel-run generator it helps the engine operate at optimal temperature; in course of which fuel build-up is prevented resulting in cleaner emissions.

Application of load banks in power generation

Load banks have their application in backup emergency units. They are applicable for testing the following:

  • Compliance for Tier-4 Emission
  • Generator OEMs
  • Resale specification projects
  • Testing in-house generators at various service departments
  • Field generator services
  • Rental department for the commissioning of start-up

Application of load banks at data centres

Loadbanks are extremely significant for their contribution ensuring uninterruptible power supply, emergency backup power and generators. In short loadbanks are used for testing the following:

  • UPS systems
  • Generator
  • Commissioning
  • Battery strings

Application of loadbanks in the healthcare industry

Reliable power is crucial for the healthcare industry in order to ensure all types of life-saving equipment along with HVAC systems are in perfect condition. Loadbanks are thus, used for testing the following:

  • UPS systems
  • Generator
  • Compliance with healthcare infrastructure and organisations
  • Battery string

Application of Loadbanks in OEMs

Certain custom-engineered loadbanks are used for research and development, quality control and production testing:

  • Fuel cells
  • Generators
  • Turbines
  • UPS
  • Batteries
  • Rotary UPS
  • Welding
  • Inverters

Application of Loadbanks in Utilities

Loadbanks have widespread applications in the power generation industry. Loadbanks help test the following:

  • Harmonic filters
  • Off-grid testing
  • Utility substations
  • Code compliance
  • Water treatment facilities

Application of Loadbanks in the oil and gas sector

Loadbanks are used for testing prime power applications for offshore and onshore applications:

  • Supplemental loading
  • Generators up to 15kV
  • Battery strings
  • UPS systems

Application of Loadbanks in Hydro, Solar and Wind systems

Loadbanks is used to test the efficiency of power generation producing machinery. They help ascertain whether this machinery is able to offer optimal outputs as the latter are subject to disturbances. Furthermore loadbanks are applicable in testing the following:  

  • Turbines
  • Collection system
  • Battery capacity
  • Steady or unsteady loads

Types of loadbanks

Have a look at the different types of loadbanks that are in use today:

Resistive loadbank

The resistive loadbank is most widely used. The system involves using resistors for loading the power source.

Reactive loadbank

This kind of load bank is used when an AC power source needs testing at any lagging power factor.

DC Loadbank

The DC loadbank is applicable for testing a DC power source.

Capacitive loadbank

This kind of loadbank is used when the AC power source needs testing at any leading power factor.

Mentioned above are integral technical aspects of a loadbank for you to understand the system and its application in different industrial sectors.

Author's Bio: 

The author runs a loadbank manufacturing company. In recent times the author has been shedding light on several different integral aspects concerning a loadbank.