Frequently Asked Questions
A Load bank is an Electrical system that replicates electrical Loads to test, verify and
maintain power sources like Generators, UPS Systems and batteries.
It is used to validate the reliable performance of these systems under simulated real world operating conditions, without posing any risk to the actual connected Loads.
It is used to validate the reliable performance of these systems under simulated real world operating conditions, without posing any risk to the actual connected Loads.
Following Load Banks are available:
- 1 Phase AC Resistive Load Banks
- 3 Phase AC Resistive Load Banks
- 1 Phase Reactive Load Banks
- 3 Phase Reactive Load Banks
- 3 Phase Star/Delta connected Load Banks
- DC Load Banks
- Battery discharge Test Units
Load Banks are commonly used for testing of following equipment:
- Load Bank for DG set testing
- Load Bank for UPS testing
- Load Bank for Battery Testing
- Load Bank for DC power supply
- Load Bank for AC power supply
- Load Bank for DC to DC converters Testing
- Load Bank for Rectifier module Testing
- Load Bank for Relay Testing
- Load Bank for Fuse Testing
- Load Bank for Switch Gear Testing
- Load Bank for Transformer Testing
- Load Bank for Power Cable Testing
- Load Bank for SMPS Testing
- Annually: For standard maintenance of backup power systems like DG set, UPS system
- Every 6 Months: For essential facilities like Hospitals, Data centers.
- After major Repairs or Upgrades: To verify system functionality.
- During Commissioning: To confirm initial performance before it is used in actual operation
Benefits of using Load Banks:
- Ensure system reliability
- Verifies system performance and capacity
- Supports preventive maintenance
- Validates new installation
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Safe testing Environment
Resistive Load Banks simulate real world electrical Loads like heaters by converting
energy into heat while reactive Load Banks simulate inductive or Capacitive Loads like
motors and Transformers to test power factor and KVAR performance.
To calculate the required Load Bank capacity for generator testing:
- Find the DG set Rated capacity:
- Identify the DG set output in KVA and power factor
- Convert to KW using: KW = KVA × Power Factor
- Determine the type of Load Test:
- Resistive Load Bank: Evaluates the real power output (KW).
- Resistive Reactive Load Bank: Tests both KW and KVAR for full performance evaluation
- Select Load Bank Size:
- For a full Load Test, the Load Bank should match the Generator’s rated KW.
- For partial Load testing, calculate the desired percentage (e.g. 50%, 75%)
- Ensure Voltage and Phase match: Load Bank voltage and Phase configuration should match the Generator (e.g. 3Phase, 415V).
Power Factor is important in Load Bank testing because it helps to test the Generator in
the same way it will be used in real life. It shows the actual power the Generator can
give (in KW).
Key Heat management methods:
Air cooled resistive Load banks:
In air cooled load banks heat generated by resistive Load elements usually (heater/resistor) is dissipated through forced airflow.
Oil cooled Load Banks:
In oil cooled Load banks, the resistive elements are immersed in thermally stable insulating oil to manage heat.
Air cooled resistive Load banks:
In air cooled load banks heat generated by resistive Load elements usually (heater/resistor) is dissipated through forced airflow.
Oil cooled Load Banks:
In oil cooled Load banks, the resistive elements are immersed in thermally stable insulating oil to manage heat.
Yes, Load Banks can be used to test UPS system by simulating real electrical Loads to
verify their performance, backup time and capacity under controlled conditions.
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