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:
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:
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:
Application of Loadbanks in OEMs
Certain custom-engineered loadbanks are used for research and development, quality control and production testing:
Application of Loadbanks in Utilities
Loadbanks have widespread applications in the power generation industry. Loadbanks help test the following:
Application of Loadbanks in the oil and gas sector
Loadbanks are used for testing prime power applications for offshore and onshore applications:
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:
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.
The author runs a loadbank manufacturing company. In recent times the author has been shedding light on several different integral aspects concerning a loadbank.